Rejoicing in hope
Of the glory of God, than the hope of which nothing can make a
believer more cheerful in this world; the saints' joy is
therefore called the "rejoicing of the hope", ( Hebrews 3:6 ) . This is
placed between serving the Lord, and being patient in
tribulation; for nothing tends more to animate the people of God
to a cheerful serving of him, or to make them more patient under
afflictions, than a hope of being for ever with the Lord:
patient in tribulation;
whilst the saints are in this world they must expect tribulation;
their way to heaven lies through it; and it becomes them to be
patient under it, not murmuring against God, on the one hand, nor
reviling of men, on the other.
Continuing instant in prayer:
prayer is needful at all times, but especially in a time of
tribulation and distress, whether inward or outward. This should
be made without ceasing; saints should watch unto it with all
perseverance; men should pray always, and not faint; never give
out and over, or be discouraged. This advice is rightly given and
placed here, to teach us that we are to go to the throne of grace
continually for fresh supplies of grace, and strength to enable
us to exercise the grace, and perform the duties exhorted to both
in preceding and following verses.