Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. (Romans 5:5)
Hope is powerful. It makes both inner peace and outward action possible in the most distressing situations. When we lose hope, we lose peace and the ability to act. When we have hope, true life-giving change is possible.
Hope is not the same as optimism. I find myself looking for signs in our culture and politics that would give reason for optimism. Some days are better than others. One day provides circumstances and situations that give some measure of optimistic outlook only to have the next day’s occurrences shatter the previous days optimism.
Hope is different. Hope reaches beyond all situations and circumstances. It transcends our limited views and actions. It is an aspect of our infinite openness. It finds its source and resting place in God.
Hope is like the faith that moves beyond our personal capabilities to the One who holds our lives together. It is like the love that can have us saying, “I will love you forever” because we experience a forever, unconditional love that looks beyond faults—a “love poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.”
Hope has that same kind of transcendence. That is why Paul names faith, hope and love as eternal. They abide when everything else falls away—or fails.
Optimism, dependent as it is on circumstances, has little power for action and for bringing about change. It can quickly move to pessimism and despair. Hope, on the other hand, is not governed by present situations. It views the present difficulties before the expanse of what could be, of what truly brings life and makes room for love and trust. It comes with vision for a future with hope, for love that reigns in human hearts, and with a faithfulness to a higher calling—the call to our true humanity made in the image of the God who is Love.
When I see people bringing life-giving change, I see people with hope. I also see that they love people, that they exhibit compassion and therefore look beyond others’ faults in order to act for their uplift—and for the transformation of our world situation. I also see trustworthiness. They do not simply talk the talk, but walk the walk. They have the staying power of abiding faith, hope, and love.
The trinity of faith, hope, and love is available to all. It is near to all. It is as near as our true humanity which is as near as the reign of God. Jesus said, “Repent, for the kingdom of God is near.” That is, turn to what is near. Turn to God’s presence and let God reign in your heart. Turn to your true self in the God who is near, and receive a self that grows in trust, hope, and love.
”May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)