Growth in Trials
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Romans 5:5 KJV
The hope that we have through Christ will not deceive us. Those who hope in God have received multiple promises in Scripture about the end results of their hope. Psalm 22:5 “They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.”
The righteous ones who have the Holy Ghost in their hearts will be delivered from sin. They will not be ashamed or confounded because God has given them spiritual renewal and boldness to live in gladness. Proverbs 10:28 “The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.”
Luther said of the Holy Ghost’s comfort to us Christians: “The Holy Ghost is not such a comforter as the world is, where neither truth nor consistency is, but He is a true, everlasting, and constant comforter without deceit and lies.”
When we suffer persecution for Christ, as Christians do, then we must hold fast to the love of God, working in our hearts by the Holy Ghost. His comfort and love are constant in the midst of our chaotic lives. If we put our trust in God, we will not be deceived, but truly comforted and strengthened.
The Word they still shall let remain
Nor any thanks have for it;
He’s by our side upon the plain
With His good gifts and Spirit.
And take they our life, Goods, fame, child, and wife,
Let these all be gone,They have nothing won;
The Kingdom ours remaineth
Amen.
The Lutheran Hymnal 262:4