This verse issues a command to hope fully in God’s grace. The command is augmented by two stir sticks of hope. The first is to “gird up the loins of your mind.” That is a metaphor which sounds odd now, but would not have been in Peter’s day. In that culture, before quick, decisive movements could be made, one must gather up and secure long, flowing garments to reduce the risk of tripping and falling. The second stir stick of hope is mental and spiritual sobriety. Do not allow stuff into your mind (and heart) that will numb you to the value of God’s grace. Brace yourself in the truth of scripture. Guard your hope by the grace of God