LIVING WATERS
For the proclamation of the Gospel and the edification of the Body of Christ
Patience, Consolation, Hope and Peace
It is interesting that Romans chapter 15 presents God as "the God of patience and consolation" (v. 5), "the God of hope" (v. 13), and "the God of peace" (v. 33). These are four very valuable traits of our God, which we value much more after we live through certain difficult experiences.
Romans shows us a summary of the whole Christian career. And in chapter 15, when he is already concluding his exposition, Paul, by the Spirit, gives us this precious fourfold presentation of God, which offers God's provision -that is, God himself- for every present situation.
In the Christian career there are so many difficult situations that, without a doubt, we need more than once to know the patience of the "God of patience". When problems follow one after the other and seem never to end, when we are harassed, persecuted and misunderstood, how important patience is!
But he is not only the God of patience: he is also "the God of consolation". Tears and sorrows need consolation. The wounded heart needs a drop of balm, a handkerchief to wipe away tears, and a shoulder to lean on. God provides all this for his children, for he is the God of consolation.
He is also "the God of hope". When the night is dark and cold, when we look into the distance and do not see the light at the end of the tunnel, then God reveals himself to us as the God of hope. What our eyes do not see, we perceive by faith, because we know God's mercies and faithfulness.
God does not change, he is faithful, and he cannot deny himself. David knew this very well: "For his wrath is but for a moment, but his favor endures forever. Weeping shall endure for a night, and joy in the morning" (Ps. 30:5). Will he not have mercy on his little ones, who hope in him, who suffer before him? He is the God of hope!
Finally, he is "the God of peace". There will come a time when patience will have accomplished its task, and we will already be perfectly consoled. Hope will have reached its fulfillment. Then will come peace, that deep feeling of stillness even in the midst of the storm, the peace of God, which does not depend on whether circumstances are favorable or not.
The peace of God is well exemplified in the scene of the Lord Jesus sleeping on the headboard in the midst of the storm. While the disciples despaired, the Lord slept peacefully. Therefore he said: "My peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid" (John 14:27). That is why the apostle says: "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:7).