We exult in hope of the glory of God!

We exult in hope of the glory of God!
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God (Romans 5:1-2).
The rapid changes in our world and in our lives can give us a sense of unease and uncertainty. We can be easily thrown off balance by the hardship and suffering that we see all around us. Ever evolving technology seems to often outpace our abilities to absorb it and the daily rise and fall of the financial markets can be unnerving. Sometimes what seems worthwhile today has less value tomorrow.
As problems mount, we can easily become discouraged and lose heart. Basing all our hope on man’s ability to solve all these challenging problems or mitigate these situations is not the answer. We can achieve only temporary peace when we alter our own circumstances or adjust our outward behavior.
The root problem in our culture today is spiritual, namely, man has a sin nature that is at enmity with God. Sin prompts us to look out for ourselves and pursue what we want. No amount of intellect or talent could ever change our sinful state or bring us peace with God. However, those who trust Jesus as their Lord and Savior receive a new nature and are reconciled by faith to our loving God. As His adopted children, we not only are at peace with Him but also have been given the power to live in harmony with one another.
Friends, no matter how often or how much life changes, we can have hope, for we have been anchored to a firm foundation that will never be shaken (Isa. 28:16). Always remember, the believer’s hope rests in our triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Remember, our heavenly Father knows each one of us by name (Isa. 43:1). Remember that our Savior keeps every divine promise (2 Corinthians 1:20). And never forget that the Holy Spirit assures us that we are secure in Christ Jesus, in this life and the one to come.
Grace and peace always,
Fr. Greg

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