During this month of April, I’ve chosen the theme of “Step Out in Faith” and this Sunday’s topic is entitled “Hope Springs Eternal.” I will admit for many years I’ve primarily thought of hope as somewhat of a weak word as in thoughts of “Gee, I hope I can get…” or “I hope ___ won’t happen.” But as I’ve grown in spiritual maturity, I realize hope can take on a whole new and different connotation. As I opened the Concordance to my Bible where you see all the references to the word “hope”, I notice the list is quite long and at the top in italicized lettering are the words: “confident expectation.” Now that I like!
One of the most familiar verses in the Bible on hope was written by Paul in his letter to the Colossians which states: “Christ in you the hope of glory.” Christ is the consciousness of union with the Divine. Christ is our bridge, way shower, the loving, guiding link that brings us out of mere humanness into the glory of the infinite. When we invite and submit to the Christ consciousness within, we unite with glory, which can also be thought of as splendor, beauty, and triumph.
The Christian tradition will be celebrating Easter later this month where the Christ consciousness rises and is triumphant over death. This valuable lesson gives hope to humankind that Life is eternal, that there are many mansions in the Father’s kingdom and when we are cognizant of our relationship as sons and daughters, children of God, we are then able to reap heaven’s rewards right here on earth.
What is happening right now in your life where you have hope, confident expectation? Think of it as a strong abiding presence that brings peace and lightheartedness so that you can step out in faith to do those things that ought to be done by you. Realize you are upheld in Love’s guidance and grace and therefore well equipped to bring forth the glory of God.
Say with me: “I have confident expectation that the light of God’s loving guidance is now and always leading me to my highest good. I am at peace and am grateful. And it is so.”
—Rev. Gay Beauregard, Alpine Church of Spiritual Living
