Oftentimes, I feel an internal battle is taking place between hope and peace. Knowing both are attributes God extends, I know the two are not contradictory but complementary. Then, upon seeing their interdependence in Romans 15:13, their connection…and their tension…became clearer.
Where Hope and Peace Collide
Hope without peace turns to anguish,
As dreams collapse to the floor;
Waiting in anticipation,
Can leave one with wanting far more.
Peace without hope becomes fruitless,
As dreams are all boxed-up and stored;
Reluctant to sow for tomorrow,
The new grains of hope go unpoured.
Hope without peace is expectant,
It hastens to think something’s due;
It holds out its hand for wages,
And fails to see service is due.
Peace without hope is complacent,
It lacks any motion or drive;
In stillness it grows apathetic,
And soon is unable to thrive.
Hope without peace turns to hunger,
Like waves crashing upon the shore;
With crestings of desperation,
It drowns out all peace with its roar.
Peace without hope becomes hopeless,
Thus failing to uphold itself;
For peace is not meant to discourage,
Nor place hopefulness on a shelf.
Thus peace stands by leaning on hope,
And hope is erected by peace;
If either should try to be master,
Support for the other would cease.
In truth these two do not struggle,
Nor challenge each other through strife;
Rather they’re strengthened through tension,
A bind that grants peace and hope life.
So pull on hope’s reins without fretting,
Clasp firmly the bridle of peace;
Fulfillment is found in their tension,
and hopelessness finds its release.
