Hope That Holds When the Bottom Drops Out
By Jimmie Aaron Kepler

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” — Romans 15:13 (KJV)

It was just after six when I stepped outside. The sky was still deciding what kind of day it wanted to be—somewhere between navy blue and gold, quiet as a prayer. Steam rose from my coffee mug as I sat down on the old wooden bench I keep near the back fence, the one that leans just enough to remind you it’s been there longer than some friendships.

I watched the light stretch across the yard, painting the tops of the trees first, then spilling over the grass, and I thought about this verse:

“Now the God of hope fill you…”

Fill you.
Not just top you off. Not give you a sip.
Fill you.

That hit me. Because some days, I’m running on empty and trying to fake full.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve had my share of days when the joy ran dry and peace seemed like a postcard from a place I’d never been. Times when believing felt more like hanging on by a thread than standing tall in faith. But then the Holy Spirit whispers—reminds me He hasn’t gone anywhere.

Romans 15:13 isn’t just a blessing—it’s a lifeline. It’s a holy refueling station on the side of a worn-out road.

We’re all hungry, aren’t we?

Hungry for a joy that doesn’t come with conditions.
For peace that sticks around when the doctor shakes his head, when the checkbook won’t balance, or when the people you counted on… don’t.
For hope that shows up with its boots on and says, “I’m not leaving, no matter what.”

This world’ll take the breath out of you if you’re not anchored in something stronger. The headlines alone can steal your sleep. But here’s the good news: Our hope doesn’t depend on what we see. It depends on the One we trust.

Believing isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about knowing where to turn when you don’t.

When you’re sitting in the quiet, maybe with tears you haven’t let fall yet—He meets you there.

When you’re staring at your phone, waiting on news you can’t control—He meets you there.

When you’re just trying to make it to Friday, holding your breath and holding your family together—He meets you right there.

And He fills.

Not because you’ve earned it.
Not because you’ve got it all figured out.
But because that’s who He is.
The God of hope. The Giver of joy. The Bringer of peace.

So wherever this finds you today—
Whether you’re on a front porch or stuck in traffic…
Whether your heart feels heavy or light as air…
I pray the God of hope fills you up—deep down, all the way.
And that by the power of the Holy Ghost, you abound in hope.

Not scrape by in hope.
Not ration it like there’s a shortage.
But abound.

Because there’s no limit to what He can do.
And there’s no bottom to His well.

With grace, grit, and a strong cup of coffee,
Jimmie

Did you enjoy this article? You can find more of Jimmie Aaron Kepler’s books at Jimmie’s books available in paperback, ebook, audio, and large print

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