When thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, then thou shalt bestir thyself.

2 Samuel 5:24

The members of Christ’s Church should be very prayerful, always seeking the unction of the Holy One to rest upon their hearts, that the kingdom of Christ may come, and that his “will be done on earth, even as it is in heaven;” but there are times when God seems especially to favor Zion, such seasons ought to be to them like “the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees.” We ought then to be doubly prayerful, doubly earnest, wrestling more at the throne than we have been wont to do. Action should then be prompt and vigorous. The tide is flowing–now let us pull manfully for the shore. O for Pentecostal outpourings and Pentecostal labors. Christian, in yourself there are times “when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees.” You have a peculiar power in prayer; the Spirit of God gives you joy and gladness; the Scripture is open to you; the promises are applied; you walk in the light of God’s countenance; you have peculiar freedom and liberty in devotion, and more closeness of communion with Christ than was your wont. Now, at such joyous periods when you hear the “sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees,” is the time to bestir yourself; now is the time to get rid of any evil habit, while God the Spirit helpeth your infirmities. Spread your sail; but remember what you sometimes sing–

“I can only spread the sail;

Thou! Thou! must breathe the auspicious gale.”

Only be sure you have the sail up. Do not miss the gale for want of preparation for it. Seek help of God, that you may be more earnest in duty when made more strong in faith; that you may be more constant in prayer when you have more liberty at the throne; that you may be more holy in your conversation whilst you live more closely with Christ.

My Pondering

I love this:

“I can only spread the sail;
You, my God, must breathe the gale.”

This is FLOW

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:14

Dawn 2 Dusk

Overflowing with More Than You Can Hold

Paul prays that “the God of hope” would fill us “with all joy and peace as you believe,” so that something supernatural happens inside us—hope begins to spill over. This is not a vague optimism or a personality trait. It is hope rooted in God’s character, secured by Christ’s work, and ignited by the power of the Holy Spirit. Today, this single verse is God’s invitation to stop living on spiritual fumes and start living filled.

The God Who Writes the Ending

Before this verse speaks about our hope, it names God as “the God of hope.” Hope is not something He merely offers; it is part of who He is. He does not guess about your future; He authors it. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). When God binds His own name to your future, your story is no longer at the mercy of circumstances, people, or even your past failures.

This hope is anchored in the finished work of Christ, not in your performance. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). A living Savior guarantees a living hope. If God has already done the hardest thing—“He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all” (Romans 8:32)—then you can trust Him with the details you cannot see and the endings you cannot write.

Joy and Peace in the Middle of the Mess

God’s aim is not to give you a tiny dose of joy and peace, but to “fill” you with them “as you believe.” Joy and peace are not rewards for having a problem-free day; they are the fruit of trusting Christ in the middle of the mess. “You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3). Joy is not pretending things don’t hurt; it is discovering that even here, the Lord is near and He is enough.

The world says you can have joy or honesty, peace or reality—but not both. Jesus refuses that false choice. He says, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33). That’s why “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). You are not asked to manufacture this peace; you are invited to receive it as you keep bringing your fears and your what-ifs back under the rule of a crucified and risen King.

Overflowing Hope for a Starving World

God’s goal is not that you would barely hang on; it is that you would “overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Picture a cup under a waterfall. The Holy Spirit pours in more than you can contain, not just for your comfort, but for your calling. “And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Romans 5:5). When God fills you with His love, your hope becomes visible, and people notice.

Overflowing hope is meant to be seen and shared. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world… Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14,16). Peter adds, “Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). Today, your quiet confidence in God’s promises, your joy in hardship, your peace under pressure—that is God’s sermon to a watching world, written on the canvas of your life.

Prayer

Lord of hope, thank You for joy, peace, and the gift of the Holy Spirit; today, teach me to trust You deeply so that I overflow with hope and boldly share it with those around me

My Pondering

This pairs nicely with John 7:38 and Flow