The Power of Christian Hope

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. 

It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 

where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf.

Hebrews 6:19-20

C.S. Lewis writes in his book Mere Christianity that we all long for something better than what we have in this life. He says:

Most people, if they really learned to look into their own hearts, would know that they do want, and want acuetly, something that cannot be had in this world. There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it to you, but they never quite keep their promise. The longings which arise in us when we first fall in love, or first think of some foreign country, or first take up some subject that excites us, are longings which no marriage, no travel, no learning, can really satisfy. I am not now speaking of what would normally be called unsuccessful marriages, or holidays, or learned careers. I am speaking of the best possible ones. There was something to be grasped at, in that first moment of longing, which just fades away in the reality. The wife may be a good wife, and the hotels and scenery may have been excellent, and chemistry may be a very interesting job: but something has evaded us.

Christians have the hope of a new heavans and new earth, in which we will share God’s glory and joy with new bodies in a new world and a new age. 

What difference does that make to us now? A very great difference. The hope we have gives us great pleasure and great rest. We love our work and work hard to do our best, because we do it all for our Lord. Yet we are not stressed by it because we don’t need to perform or achieve to feel good about ourselves. This hope also gives us courage and strength, because we serve the Majesty of heaven & earth who is in control of all things. The hope we have also enables us to relax, laugh, sing and celebrate together. Our God reigns and nothing can separate us from his love now and forever.

That’s the power of Christian hope.