Comforting words for troubling times

Romans 12:12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;

Coming off a hectic week that at times felt like professional tribulation, I was in the right place to connect with this verse. Three key things to keep in mind for the next hectic week that comes along:

1. Rejoicing in hope: this means, rejoicing before we get what we want. Hope implies that it's still not obtained or achieved. I am usually only willing to rejoice when I get what I want, not when I still waiting for it.

2. Patient in tribulation: to me, this basically means that I can expect hard times--whether minor inconveniences at work, struggles with personal health and relationships, loss of a loved one, spiritual persecution, or [insert issue here] . However, as believers, we can also expect that they will come to end in God's timing--just be patient.

3. Continue steadfastly in prayer: steadfastly is one of those familiar Bible words that you can't define. I found out today that it implies something that you lean on for stability or something that you can rest on. Is this how I view prayer during troubled times? Do I continue in prayer in such a way that I rest on it. Sadly, I don't. I usually see prayer as a "check the box" thing or a "break glass in case of fire" thing. Maybe I need to start seeing communication with the almighty God as something on which I can continuously trust to support me--no matter what is going on in my life.