Spend time in prayer and silence with God, asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.
Bible Reading
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who He has given us.
– Romans 5:1-5
Devotion
Paul now will detail some of the benefits that result from the doctrine of justification by faith. The first benefit is that we have peace with God. When we put our trust in Jesus, we are reconciled to God. Instead of being alienated from God, we experience peace with God. Paul describes it this way, “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding.” There is something about knowing that you are right with your Creator. It is hard to describe. It is not necessarily the absence of conflict but a calm in the midst of the storm. The second benefit is that we have access to His grace. This is wonderful news because we need His grace each and every day. While we are justified with God through our faith in Jesus, we still struggle with our sinful nature. Having access to God’s grace daily brings us great comfort as we live out this spiritual journey. The third benefit is that we are able to rejoice in the hope and glory of God regardless of our circumstances. Hope is a powerful thing! Hope allows us to face each day with a positive frame of mind. The last benefit of justification is that He has given us His Spirit to accompany us on this spiritual journey. We are never alone! The Spirit of God is always with us.
The Big Question
Which one of these benefits is most meaningful to you? Why? Which one of these benefits do you struggle to embrace? Why?
Conclude your time in prayer and silence, reflecting on what God revealed to you today.