The Hope That Does Not Disappoint

The Hope That Does Not Disappoint

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 5:5

Few things are more devastating than having our hopes shattered. We have dreams, expectations, desires, and we add to those things hope that they may someday become realities. Some of the bitterest pills we ever have to swallow, are when we realize that some of those things which we desire will not ever come to be, for whatever reason. In matters that relate to spiritual desires particularly, God does not disappoint. Romans begins with a thorough discussion of the realities of our sinfulness, and utter lack of righteousness. It proceeds to introduce the subject of justification, that there is, for us, the possibility of peace with God through the Righteousness of Christ being imputed to us. Romans 5 begins with a statement regarding the results of our justification, that is, that we have ‘peace with God.’ Out of that flows ‘access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.’ The end result of this progression is ‘hope.’ Paul goes on to say that this ‘hope does not disappoint.’ Why does it not disappoint? It does not disappoint because the Holy Spirit has poured out the love of God in our hearts. That means that God brought us thus far, and will infallibly lead us into complete conformity to the Image of Christ. The hope which God generates in us through the Holy Spirit is lasting, certain, and will ultimately come to a greater conclusion than we can possibly anticipate.

Our most Wise God,
we praise You, that You ordained both the way and the means,
whereby we may arrive at the Image of Christ.
We thank You, that you will lead us every step of the way,
until we are all that You intend for us to be.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning