All who have firm hope in God are raised up to Him and enlightenedby the radiance of the eternal Light.
If a man has no care whatever for himself because of love for God and virtuous deeds, knowing that God will take care of him, such hope is true and wise.
But if a man takes care for his own affairs and turns with prayer toGod only when unavoidable misfortunes overtake him and he sees noway of averting them by his own power, only then beginning to hopein God's aid, such hope is vain and false.
True hope seeks the Kingdom of God alone and is convinced that everythingearthly that is necessary for this transitory life will unfailingly be given. The heart cannot have peace until it acquires this hope. It gives peace to the heart and brings joy into it.
Little Russian Philokalia vol. 1 - St. Seraphim of Sarov
