What is it that you and I hope for? A sunny day for a walk? We often speak like this, and we genuinely wish for something pleasant. But the ‘hope’ seems weak, we cannot do much about it, so we may just sit back and let things happen. It is harder when we feel hope-less. Not only through watching international news but waiting or struggling in our lives, this is really tough.
Let us base our foundations not on our needs but on confidence in the Christian gospel. The hymn ‘my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness’ is a help. The God who created our world in love, redeemed it through suffering and will one day restore all things in a new creation, he is real for us to know and love and be loved. Christ is raised from the dead! Our God has the power to transform everything: has turned darkness to light and death to life. Let’s help one another and pray this prayer of St Paul written from prison: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15.13
Marion de Quidt