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I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NLT
Most of the time I think of overflowing as a bad thing. I hate to confess it, but… I routinely pour too much coffee in my mug… get distracted and let the boiling pot overflow all over the stove, and have let my daughter play in a tub almost overflowing with bubbles. The results are not fun… they always lead to extra clean up and time spent cleaning instead of other things (like quilting). Frankly, I don't like it when things overflow.
Being filled to overflowing with joy and peace brought about by hope from God is a different matter… Instead of a mess of coffee, boiling gunk, or water and bubbles... overflowing hope, joy and peace leaves a trail of… well… more hope, joy, and peace. And, unlike an angry boiling pot, the residue from overflowing hope leaves its mark in the subtlest and best of ways.
Overflowing hope, joy and peace doesn't have to be a grand gesture like a huge bouquet of roses on Valentine's day. It comes in the form of a random sticky note in the Walmart bathroom mirror that says, "God Loves You," or a simple, "I'll pray for you" to a friend who is going through a hard time. It doesn't have to be words either… quietly sitting with someone when they're going through a tough moment is another form of overflowing peace. These everyday actions that happen, not because we force ourselves to, but because they just feel "right" and natural are hope, joy and peace overflowing from us in action.
If you're looking for a way to share overflowing hope, joy and peace with someone… try writing a few encouraging words on sticky notes. Place them in your pocket and leave them all over the place as you go about your day. A simple way to share God's hope and love with others.
Thanks for reading! This is a preview of one of my devotional thoughts from "The Hope Quilt" set to be published Summer 2023. Subscribe to my mailing list and you will be one of the first to know when "The Hope Quilt" is released!
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