What Hope Feels Like

From Daily Readings by Wild at Heart by John Eldredge

April 23, 2026 · 2 min

About this episode

This episode explores the concept of hope as a form of waiting and inner groaning, drawing from Romans 8:22-25.

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. (Romans 8:22–25) Amazing. Paul is passing along to us the secret of the sojourning heart. We live in hope, and he says hoping is waiting. And groaning. When was the last time you heard that in a sermon or the title for a new book? You, Too, Can Groan Inwardly While You Wait Eagerly! Everything I’ve seen lately offers a sure-fire way to “get what you want.” How to be a success at work. How to be a success at love. How to succeed in work and love at the same time. Here are questions to ask yourself to see if you are a pilgrim or an arranger: What am I waiting for? Is there anything I ardently desire that I am doing nothing to secure? The first time I asked myself, I couldn’t name a thing. There were many things I was working on, or fretting…

People in this episode

Host: John Eldredge

Topics covered

hope
spiritual growth
waiting
Christianity
inner groaning
desire

Keywords

hope
waiting
spirituality
groaning
desire
Christian faith
Romans 8

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Wild at Heart

Books & works: The Journey of Desire