“The hope of truth and of freedom is already ours, dearly beloved, but if we are to attain truth and freedom in reality we must endure and persevere.” St Cyprian
St. Cyprian
We are just passed the midpoint of our first week of Advent. Today we are reminded to persevere in hope.
“The hope of truth and of freedom is already ours.” There’s a lot of meaning packed in that sentence. In the reading today from Isaiah 26:1-6 and Matthew 7:21, 24-27, we hear two points that compliment this hope of truth and freedom.
“… the Lord is an eternal Rock.” Isaiah 26:4
“… everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who builds his house on a rock.” Matthew 7:24
What does these two verses provoke in you?
For me, it aligns with St. Cyprian’s statement on hope of truth and freedom being ours. Perhaps the key to that hope and freedom, is trusting in the Word of God, trusting His tiny voice that whispers to us throughout our day.
Over the last few weeks, I have been walking through a circumstance that has been very difficult to bear. As I traveled this similar road that I’ve traveled quite some time ago, I’ve felt this hope and freedom through surrendering and trusting that God’s plan in this is better than mine. My prayer has been the simplest of prayers. Daily I have been petitioned for peace, trust and God’s Will to be done. At the end of each day, I knew this was not within my control and I knew that God’s divine will would be the ultimate best. St Paul tells us this truth in Romans 8:28 “we know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
Jesus tells us that it’s when we are open to listening to God, we build our lives on a solid spiritual foundation. It’s that solid foundation, the eternal Rock, that provokes trust in our lives. When we trust that God has our plan, His plan, in place, true freedom arises. We become free from so many things that create discontent and worry.
Today, I invite you to envision your spiritual life being built on a rock throughout your journey. See how steady it has been, standing against the storms in your life. Draw upon the hope that it brings you and allow it to carry you through this season of Advent.
Women Who Walk By Faith 
Thank you so much for this reflection today. Sometimes in the daily moments of this chaotic life that we live, it is hard to focus on what should be very simple. A rock. Something solid. Something strong. How appropriate, as you point out, this is how we should look at our faith and spirituality. Love you sweet sister. Always in my prayers.
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For certain. Sometimes it’s hard to see how simple life would be if we could just allow the Hope in our faith to steer our lives. Surrender is such a key for us yet so difficult. Thanks for the prayers. And prayers offered for you as well. 🥰
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