How can we keep our circumstances from determining our mood? How can we emancipate ourselves from the limitations that life deals us? The last in this trio of commandments from Paul opens the door for the other two to be true — we can rejoice in hope and be patient in affliction because we have been faithful in prayer. No matter our situation, we can pray joyfully because of our hope in Christ. We can remain patient, persevering through affliction, by presenting our requests and intercessions to God with thanksgiving. Prayer is God's gift to us so that we can be patient and joyful, even when things don't appear to be going well. We can be joyful in hope and patient in affliction because we are faithful in prayer!

Father, I thank you because no matter my struggles, you assure me of my ultimate victory in Christ Jesus. I thank you, dear God because no matter the hardship or burden I face, I know you will help me through it and bring me into your presence with great joy. So until that day of ultimate and victorious joy, please ransom my heart from discouragement by the power of hope from your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name. Amen.