Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. – Romans 12:11-12
My senior year of High School, I chose Romans 12:11-12 as my quote for the yearbook. My original plan had been to use my favorite-Jeremiah 29:11. However, my brother used that two years earlier and it would just not do to have the same quote as my brother. Well, God did have plans for me and while Jeremiah 29:11 remains a favorite of mine, Romans 12:11-12 was a passage that I came back to often in my college years and in recent years.
The language of the NIV translation of these verses has always inspired me. It has a sense of rhythm and flourish. The NLT is somewhat simpler and, in a way, more “in your face.” It reads, never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
Scripture abounds with passages regarding work and rest. Working hard is good. This passage brings to mind I Corinthians 10:39 (So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God). This is good practical instruction for living the Christian life. I wish I could say I did so all the time. If I did, reading these words might not bring such conviction with them.
Moving on to verse 12, the language of the NLT once again stops me. How do you NOT serve enthusiastically when you are rejoicing “in our confident hope?” This is no ordinary hope. It is confident hope. You might read it as hope times two. Following hope is “be patient in trouble.” This short phrase brings to mind two other favorite passages of mine-Hebrews 12:11 and James 1:2-4. I don’t know about you, but when I’m in trouble, the last thing I have is patience. I just want it to be over with.
Finally, “keep on praying.” Whatever you do, keep on praying. You don’t have to use big fancy words. God, our Father wants to hear about what’s going on in your own words, whatever they may be. Some days all that may be is “God, help me.” Whatever words you use to talk to your best friend about the circumstances of your life, those are the words you should use. They may be angry, sad and emotional. Don’t believe me? Check out the Psalms. I’ve spent some hours praying the Psalms because I had no words of my own. I’ve also spent time in the dark of night in my car with thunderstorms