Anyone who places their trust in this Stone will not falter even if “the rain descends, the floods come, and the winds blow and beat against that house” (Matthew 7:25), for it has a solid, unshakeable foundation, such that “even the gates of hell shall not prevail” against it (Matthew 16:18). Thus, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to trust in mankind; it is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes” (Psalm 117:8-9). The prophet and psalmist experienced this firsthand and joyfully proclaimed: “All nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I cut them off; they surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the Lord I cut them off. They swarmed around me like bees; they went out like a fire among thorns; but in the name of the Lord I cut them off. I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the Lord helped me” (Psalm 117:10-13). Note how he defended himself from his foes with the Lord’s name as his shield, and in his deepest troubles, he was not forsaken by God. Indeed, blessed are all who trust in Him!
2) Hope is refined through trials and tribulations. In these moments, it is revealed who places their hope in Christ, our God, and who seeks assistance elsewhere. Those who genuinely have faith in Christ do not abandon their hope during difficult times; instead, they turn to Him for aid. Even if the granting of that help seems delayed, they hold on tightly to the belief that “He who promised is faithful.” Conversely, those who, in their difficulties, forsake Christ in favor of humans, wealth, prestige, or other transient things have no true hope in Christ, despite their verbal affirmations. True hope is inseparable from its foundational support, and it is demonstrated not in times of success, but rather in times of hardship, residing within the heart rather than being merely spoken. Therefore, hope must be accompanied by patience, which conquers all trials and awaits either liberation or relief from affliction. Faith, hope, and patience cannot be separated. Faith recognizes its Helper, the Deliverer, Christ. Hope relies on Him and seeks His assistance. Patience waits expectantly for Him, despite delays, never relinquishing hope. Thus, the Psalmist encourages: “Be of good courage, and let your heart be strengthened, all you who hope in the Lord” (Psalm 30:25). And again: “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord” (Psalm 26:14). For “blessed are all who hope in Him.”
3) The most profound and distressing temptation arises when despair tries to rob the soul of its hope for salvation. Thoughts may whisper to the heart: “There is no salvation for him in his God” (Psalm 3:3). This reflects the devil’s cunning, aiming to extinguish the faithful soul's assurance of eternal life. In such times, one must exhibit patience, courage, and resilience, fortified by hope, and remain steadfast in that hope, remembering the comforting assurance: “Blessed are all who hope in Him.” And again, “Anyone who believes in Him” (in Christ) “will never be put to shame” (Romans 10:11).
4) If “blessed are all who hope in Him,” which they undeniably are, then those who trust in mankind, in rulers, in the powerful, in their own strength, in their wealth and righteousness, and in all things apart from Christ are surely left disappointed and poor in spirit. Such individuals harbor a deluded hope because their reliance lacks a stable and secure foundation and is bound to collapse, as its basis is weak. Thus, all such will face shame, for they resemble “a foolish man who built his house on the sand; the rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house; and it fell, and great was the fall” (Matthew 7:26-27).
5) Conversely, it would be a great folly for a person to seek hope in the One whom they continually anger through sinning against their conscience. Hope, like faith, is rooted in a clear conscience and shies away from guilt. Those who have a troubled conscience may only hope superficially, lacking true hope in their hearts. What hope can thrive amidst a conscience agitated by sin and aware of God’s judgment? Hope resides where the conscience rests peacefully, unburdened by transgressions. This does not apply to those who, having sinned and repented, seek God’s mercy. Oftentimes, their conscience may still trouble them over past sins, yet such individuals should bolster their hope, for God does not condemn those who have repented—“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)—but rather judges those who remain unrepentant. Thus, they should cling to the reassuring words, “Blessed are all who hope in Him,” for Christ remains the Savior, Redeemer, Deliverer, Protector, and Source of Life to all, as He came “to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15).
This assessment refers specifically to those who persist in unrepentance, for in their case, both faith and hope are in vain. Therefore, the prophet advises: “Trust in the Lord, and do good” (Psalm 36:3). It is clear that trusting in the Lord is accompanied by a commitment to righteous action.
6) Recognizing through the holy Word of God the blessedness bestowed upon those who trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, let us strive to share in this blessed state ourselves. Let others depend on their status, power, wealth, intelligence, eloquence, and various other worldly things, but let us exclusively rely on Christ Jesus our Lord. He will be our Protector, Helper, Deliverer, Fortress, and Strength in every trial. If we face persecution from the world, we will find refuge under His wings. If Satan assails our hearts with fears of death, judgment, damnation, and despair over God’s mercy, we can find solace in that secure refuge, holding firmly to His gracious promises and declarations: “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life; he does not come into judgment but has passed from death to life” (John 5:24). And once more: “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in Me has eternal life” (John 6:47). Through these and other promises, guaranteed by the unchangeable oath of Him who is Truth, let us secure our hope, “which serves as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure, entering the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf” (Hebrews 6:19-20). Our hope resides at the right hand of God; thus, let us maintain our grip on it and never face shame. Be well and find your salvation in Christ. To Him be the thanks and glory. Amen.
THEOSIS