Advent Reflection: Romans 8
But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:24-28) Hope is used in both as a verb and as a noun (“Hope that is seen” versus “Who hopes?”) I like the verb part. I can do something about the wait, I can become more patient for that thing I hope for. I can grow in my hope as I mature, have more experiences, see more hopeless situations turn around. As I grow in faith, I understand more and more where to put my hope. There’s a lot I can do to ho