THE power of hope over the soul should be emphasized. We do not mean hope as a mere doctrinal truth, but as a practical reality. As a doctrine, hope has a large place in Scripture. When the doctrine is applied practically, it occupies a foremost place in the formation of Christian character.
Being Christians, we have faith— we believe God; we believe His Son; we know that our sins are forgiven, and that ours is the inheritance of the saints in light. This is most blessed and real; but we need hope as well as faith.
Some may say, We have hope. Let us, then, inquire for what are we hoping? By faith we know what we have. What have we not yet? It is for what we have not that we are hoping.
We are hoping for glory. We rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Our hopes are not like earth's hopes: fail they cannot, for God cannot fail. God has promised His people glory. At present their portion is shame and suffering. As the Lord's path was one of shame, so is that of His people. As glory is now His portion, so shall glory be theirs. "If we suffer with Him, we shall be glorified together.”
Now, when this hope is strong within the soul, unworldliness and Christian life are strong also. It is a most elevating, up-to-heaven-lifting prospect; it is also a most invigorating reality. Sit down to enjoy the world a man cannot, whose heart is filled with hope of the glory of God; live for himself, and be occupied with himself, he cannot; his future makes his present.
“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye," this hope may be realized; "for yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.”