Romans 8:24, “For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is
seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen.”
Hope is anticipation of what is yet to come. What is seen
here and now is often temporary. Why do we tend to settle for partial crumbs instead
of waiting for the whole meal?
We spend so much of our time hoping for things of fleeting
consequence: a sunny day, no traffic, a parking place, no arguments, a
promotion, all pleasurable and all pale imitations of real hope.
Hope reaches out for the riches of our spiritual inheritance. We look to the promises already given. Seen hope—Emmanuel. Prophecy claims fulfilled. We can look back in fact. We can live today in presence, in daily manna. We can look ahead to more promises.
What is seen are gifts given. Good news, release from captivity, balm for our souls,
fellowship, words and prayer.
Hope gives courage, anticipation and strength in all
situations when we take hold of it. Without hope—we die. Perhaps not
physically, not life’s breath, instead soul’s breath drifts away. We miss
living in forgiveness now.
Your hope Lord, of eternal life, forgiveness, mercy, grace,
all beckon with a new reality. Yet it requires that I step forward in trust.
Resist the fear that says this is all there is. You have intervened with Your
love and mercy. Help me to step into your hope, which reaches so far beyond my
limited seen boundaries.
Psalm of Worship: Psalm 4: 8
“I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone,
O Lord, make me lie down in safety.”
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