WE are living in the middle of worrying and uncertain days and we could certainly do with a little hope.
But normally when we speak of hope we get it wrong. The thing is we usually think of hope as an action, like "I hope it will be sunny", or in our present context, "I hope this virus will soon pass."
But the Bible speaks of hope as a possession. God gives us hope: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (1 Peter 1:3).
God raising Jesus from the dead and ending the gloom and despondency of the early disciples is the most glorious demonstration of hope. It's all about looking forward with certainty.
We will still have to live through some troubled days, and there will be more pain, but in the middle of this, let's grab hold of the hope that God offers us.
Focus on Jesus. He is with us no matter what may happen.
Rt Rev Dr William Henry
Moderator, Presbyterian Church in Ireland
