Building One Another  

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

I Thessalonians 5:11

Hang in There!

Dear Friend,  

There is a lot of pressure on our lives today, what with fears of the coronavirus and the countless concerns we are tending! A good word from the Bible is, “Hang in there!”, which is the essential meaning of the New Testament word hupomone (pronounced hoop-o-mown-ay).

“Consider it pure joy whenever you meet trials of various kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops steadfastness [hupomone].” James 1:2-3*

Hupomone is actually composed of two words. The prefix hupo means “under” and the verb mone means“remain.” Literally, hupomone means to “remain under.”

You find yourself under pressure. You have concerns about the coronavirus or a loved one or to do with your or work. The greater the pressure pushes down, the greater your desire to get out from under it, to be done with it, to escape it.  

However, inspired by your trust in Jesus Christ and the encouragement you receive from the Scriptures, you “remain under” the situation, seeing it through, remaining faithful to our Lord, trusting in the power and presence of God. That’s hupomone!

“Remembering before our God and Father your…steadfastness [hupomone] of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.' I Thessalonians 1:3

“...that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”Romans 15:4

Hang in there. Hupomone! The Lord is with you.

Joy to you – E. Stanley Ott

©Copyright 2020E. Stanley Ott
*Scripture from the ESV

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What are the pressures you are experiencing right now - from concerns about the coronavirus to pressure you are feeling about your home and family, your work, and the worries of the wider world?

Hupomone is New Testament Greek for "remain under," or "don't escape but cope with the pressures on you", putting your trust in Jesus, the Lord who loves you. So, consciously, commit yourself to Jesus, express your anxieties to him and give yourself to serving those around you in Jesus' name.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

"Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:32-33

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