We all need hope if we are to function effectively in life. A life without hope is a life of despair, of torment, of futility. Proverbs tells us that hope deferred makes the heart sick (Prov 13:12), but we read in Romans that ‘hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.’ (Romans 5:4-5)
The work that is going on at St Mark’s is a testament to the hope God has given this church. Hoping inevitably involves patient waiting (see Romans 8) and that can test us to the limit. Biblical hope, however, involves connotations of anticipation (usually with pleasure) and expectation or confidence. We have hope because of who God is and because of what He has promised.
For many, many years, the church hoped for something bigger and better, a place where the dreams and plans God had birthed in us could grow to fruition. Now we are moving on into those dreams and plans. But still there is more: ‘so much more to be revealed’ (King, Denté, Keaggy).
Let’s not forget the hope to which God has called us. We are a privileged people, for we have the hope of His unfailing love, the hope of salvation, the hope of eternal life and the hope of future glory. Let’s hold on to God’s faithfulness, love and mercy as we seek to see the dreams become reality.
‘Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.’ (Lam 3:21-27)
Let’s make sure we watch what we are saying to ourselves and that we meditate on the hope we have!