“Yet I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. ‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in Him.’” — Lamentations 3:21–24 (BSB)
“Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” — Hebrews 10:23 (BSB)
“But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of the hope of salvation.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:8 (BSB)
Trials, suffering, and waiting become means by which hope is deepened. Rather than fading in hardship, Christian hope is refined by it. As I worship with the Church, pray the Psalms, hear the Scriptures, and receive the Sacraments, my soul is reminded of the eternal joy that is coming—and I am strengthened to endure.
Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “Hope matures through memory—by recalling what God has done—and through longing, by fixing our eyes on what He has promised. It thrives in worship, patience, and perseverance.”
Bishop Julian Dobbs (Diocese of the Living Word, ACNA) explains, “To grow in hope is to live each day with eternity in view. We learn to say, ‘Come, Lord Jesus,’ even as we serve Him faithfully in the present.”
The 1662 Book of Common Prayer encourages the growth of hope in its burial liturgy, creeds, and daily prayers. It points the believer to “the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting,” praying that “we, with all those who are departed in the true faith, may rise in glory.”
J.C. Ryle wrote, “A hopeful Christian is a strong Christian. His hope rests not on the shifting sands of the world, but on the unchanging rock of Christ and His promises.” (Holiness, 1877)
Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) has said, “Hope grows when we stay close to Jesus. As we walk with Him in Scripture, prayer, and fellowship, we are reminded again and again: the best is yet to come.”
Growing in hope glorifies Christ because it proclaims His faithfulness, anchors our joy in His future, and strengthens the Church to endure with courage and grace.
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “Hope grows when we long for what we do not yet see. It is nourished by the Word, strengthened by patience, and fulfilled in glory.” — Enchiridion, 8
St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407 AD): “As a ship is anchored in the deep, so the soul is anchored in hope. It grows firm by clinging to the promises of God.” — Homily on Hebrews, 19
St. Basil the Great (c. 330–379 AD): “Let your hope rest not in what changes, but in what is eternal. The soul that trusts in God will not be shaken.” — Homily on Psalm 114
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
St. Thomas Church
PO Box 873
Abbotsford, BC,
V2T 7A2, Canada
If you are interested in starting a St. Thomas Church in your area and or ordination path fill the contact card form.
St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
