Life in the Spirit: Groaning and HopingSample

THE POSTURE OF HOPE

All hope involves a measure of waiting - and waiting can be hard. If we aren’t careful, it can wear us down. We can grow weary and even discouraged if the wait is long or the circumstances are particularly painful. Our attitude can start to reflect impatient tolerance or despondent trudging, shoulders drooping with the weight of the burden.

But Paul described eager waiting with patience. He talked about rejoicing in that hopeful place when we know what is coming but haven’t received it yet. When we grab a hold of true Biblical hope, we live in a posture of anticipation, like children standing on tiptoe, trying to see the good thing they are convinced is just beyond their current view.

Sometimes it’s a simple thing to redirect our thoughts from momentary frustrations to bigger victories and look ahead, but other times we need the help of the Spirit to raise our heads and take the load we are carrying. The Contemporary English Translation of Romans 12:12a says, “Let your hope make you glad…” This doesn’t mean we ignore or deny our current circumstances; instead, hope gives us the strength to stand tall and ready while we wait in the confidence of our coming restoration.

Ask Yourself:

-How has waiting impacted your attitude and spiritual posture in the past?

-How can the Holy Spirit help you find authentic joy in future seasons of anticipation?

Pause to Pray: Father God, even though waiting for ____________ feels hard, I choose to place my hope in you. I thank you, God, for your goodness and praise you today for _________. Grant me peace and joy as I quiet myself and wait for your will to unfold in your time. In Jesus’ name, Amen.