By Geoffrey Spencer

For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.

“A Brightness of Hope,” Choose Hope: Adult Study Guide, Herald House, p. 20, excerpted

Section 4 of the Doctrine and Covenants, dated February 1829, states that “a marvelous work is about to come forth.” The significant term here is about; it lifts up the anticipation of something significant about to break forth. That element of aboutness, I believe, is not only appropriate for the initial events of the Restoration movement but equally for the church and its members in every moment of its history.

With all due respect for our past, I believe we are not a “once upon a time” movement but an advent movement, living in constant imaginative expectation of what the future is about to unfold. What this means in practical terms is that each individual, each congregation, and the church as a whole will constantly ask the question: What marvelous work is about to come forth for me, or for us?

A people of hope remain open to the future and decline to make premature announcements claiming the arrival of the supreme state of affairs, the perfect form of government, or the ultimate statement of doctrine. They know that an old world must pass away for the new reality of God’s kingdom to be realized. History for them is not something to be endured, but created. They believe, with Robert Frost, that it is possible to “believe the future in.” This is not to claim that the future is totally produced or determined by human beings, but it does confess that the future of God is shaped with people who are open to it, prepared for it, welcome it, trust in it, and participate in it.

Prayer Phrase

“Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer” (Romans 12:12).

Deepening Roots

A tree with superficial roots will wither during drought, or severe storms may uproot it. A tree whose roots go deep is stable and draws from deep waters. Imagine yourself as a tree by a river or stream. Sense your roots extending deep into the earth in search of God’s Spirit. Reflect or pray about what you hope to find as your spirit searches for deeper identity in God.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.