Life Verse

Last night at bible study we looked at a passage of scripture that was talking about love and how that should play out in our lives.  There was one verse in particular that really got my attention.  It's only a few words in length, but it packs in so much meaning, that I honestly think would take a whole lifetime to fully understand.  A lot of people seem to have favorite verses, or what some people call "Life verses," and I think I want this to be mine:

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."  -- Romans 12:12

It seems simple enough, but every word holds such profound meaning.  Last night, I was trying to describe my reaction to the verse, and I really couldn't find the words to express the reality that this verse portrays, or the yearning that it awakens in me.  

But if I had no access to any other portion of the Bible for the rest of my life, I feel like this verse would be enough.  If I can strive to make these commands the most basic reality of my being, then I would forever be in the will of God.  No matter what happens in my life, even if things are dark and show no promise of getting better, if I can still joyfully hold on to the hope that is found in Christ, find patience in the midst of trials, and cling to my savior and fight for His kingdom in prayer, then what else do I need?  To me, this verse encompasses all that the gospel is, and I want to make it the goal of my life to reflect the beauty that is written here.  

Maybe I'll try to unpack it more later.

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."