What we're considering, this morning, is the triumph of hope.

One of the ways in which the Word of God becomes real to us is through trial, and temptation, and difficulty. Then our faith is exercised and we have to take hold of the Word in an earnest way.

Ultimately, this is what the Bible is all about. It declares realities. It declares the negative things that we have to encounter. But the underlying theme all the way through is consolation in God; restoration is God; renewal in Christ and new life in Him, whatever we encounter here.