Written by: Mimi McKinnis
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” — Romans 12:12 (ESV)
The beginning of a new chapter can bring on a lot of emotions. Of course, not all of those emotions are positive. There’s excitement for what lies ahead, hope for new opportunities and eager anticipation of what’s next, but there’s also a fear of the unknown, worry over potential overcommitment and new things to grasp, and even mourning the chapter you’re leaving behind. But one thing remains the same in every season of change: Our Heavenly Father and His love for us. As Turning Pointe begins it’s 18th year of operation, we continue to flourish in the roots we planted in Him, turning our attention to a word and a scripture passage as a studio each month. This month, we kick off the 2021-22 school year session not with the mental rollercoaster of a new season at the forefront, but rather with a mindset to rejoice in the Lord — ALWAYS.
If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that anything can happen. At this time last year, we opened our doors to masked faces that filled limited classes, all the while having back up plan after back up plan in our back pockets to handle changes that seemed to come at the world on a daily basis. Still, we looked forward to a new season. We prayed through the struggles and endured the obstacles to come out on the other side. This year, as the arts rebuild, things look more like they used to — classes are open to their former capacity, many of our students are returning to in-person learning, and we look forward to welcoming the community to live performances by our students and companies. Still, our verse of the month rings as true as it ever has. Whether we’re facing giants that challenge us in ways we never imagined, stress from a new season ahead or simply not our best day, through this verse, the Lord gives us all the tools we need in just three simple commands:
1. Rejoice in hope.
This one sounds pretty positive. Two uplifting words in a three-word sentence. Totally digestible, right? So let’s start there. Throughout the first week of classes, our students discussed what this order means. What does it mean to rejoice in hope? One response centered around the idea of finding joy in knowing that there’s always hope, no matter the situation, no matter how hopeless it may seem. But how do we do that? It has to be more than just looking for the silver lining we’re told every cloud has. There is always something to hope for because our hope is in Him. Though seasons may change, He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). We can delight in each process because we know that His love is unfailing (Psalm 147:11). We can find triumph in the steps not yet taken because we put our trust in Him (Romans 15:13).
2. Be patient in tribulation.
Okay, this one hits a little bit harder. Patience is a challenge in and of itself sometimes, even without that “T” word after it. What is God commanding us to do here? What exactly are we waiting for? Throw out that old “Keep Calm and Carry On” print you framed a while back, because this order goes way deeper. Proverbs 15:18 tells us that “Hot tempers cause arguments, but patience brings peace.” Ecclesiastes 7:8 tells us that “Patience is better than pride.” Sounds like patience is the antidote for a lot of the things standing between us and a joyful heart. And what’s more, note that the verse of the month doesn’t lead with this charge. Only when we rejoice in hope can we be patient in tribulation. “You also must be patient. Keep your hopes high, for the day of the Lord’s coming is near.” (James 5:8)
3. Be constant in prayer
Wait, constant? Don’t we have enough on our plates? Aren’t we trying to maintain communication in a zillion relationships as it is? We’ve come a long way from the feel-good command we started this verse with. But here’s the thing: They all work together. What do the stories of Jesus, David, Habakkuk and Hannah have in common? They prayed. When Daniel was in the lion’s den? He prayed. When Peter was imprisoned? Yep. He prayed, too. In this day and age, communication is instant and we keep the lines open constantly. At any given time, we have apps open for texting, talking, video, email, etc. etc. on our devices in order to reach anyone we need at a moment’s notice. The same should be true in our communication with God. Being constant in prayer doesn’t mean reciting the Lord’s Prayer 24/7 and doing absolutely nothing else. It means we make a habit of praying. It’s not just a part of your bedtime routine. Just like we pick up our phones and digitally report to our friends, family, group chats and the like without even thinking, so, too, should we talk to God. When our talks with Him are second-nature, our relationship with Him is stronger. When we walk with Him, we can be patient when times are tough because we have hope in His plan. And so we REJOICE. Not in the excitement of a new year, not in the opportunities of a new season, but instead in the Lord, always.