Poets and prose writers through the centuries have written much on the subject of hope, for in human experience this quality holds powerful sway, giving scope to thought and pointing to the possibilities of glorious achievement. Mortals, however, often associate with their various hopes the possibility of failure or defeat, but this beautiful transitional quality does not partake of the nature of chance. The carnal or mortal mind would keep humanity earthbound. This so-called mind knows nothing of the heavenly hope which guides the thought of the spiritually minded in the path of selfless idealism. There could be no element of chance in this abiding quality which the Apostle to the Gentiles associates with faith and love. Such hope must necessarily be devoid of self-seeking; therefore it blesses and happifies existence. It does not and could not rest in matter.
On pages 40 and 41 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mary Baker Eddy states, "The nature of Christianity is peaceful and blessed, but in order to enter into the kingdom, the anchor of hope must be cast beyond the veil of matter into the Shekinah into which Jesus has passed before us." Fulfilled expectations and safety from the storms of mortal mind are to be found in "the kingdom." How important, then, that professed followers of Christ Jesus should anchor their hope in the realm of Spirit!
Fear, doubt, and all that pertains to chance are ignorant beliefs which tend to make God's kingdom appear far off instead of at hand, as Jesus taught. Because it is ignorant of God, mortal mind, from which emanate those beliefs, includes no hope of gaining spiritual understanding. But one has a right to and should better his condition in every right way. He assuredly should work earnestly and continually to overcome the belief of being mortal by gaining an understanding of man's true selfhood, created in God's likeness; and in this work hope is a strong factor. Also in human affairs he has the right to aspire to achievement and success, never by ignoring the rights of others, but always through the selflessness and love which reflect God. True achievement and success are accomplished by unselfishness, consideration, kindness, compassion, honest dealing, and humility. To those who are striving toward attainment along this line, hope in God affords safe anchorage at all times. The Psalmist evidently realized this when he wrote, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? . . . hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."
