We're very fortunate that the Bible has so much to say about hope. After all, Biblical hope rests on the underpinnings of our faith in God. Let's begin with the obvious question, "What is hope?" Most of us think of hope as “to wish for, to expect, but without certainty of the fulfillment; to desire very much, but with no real assurance of getting your desire.” For example, "I hope we get some rain tomorrow." Or, "We hope to see you in two weeks!"
In Scripture, according to the Hebrew and Greek words translated by the word “hope” and according to the biblical usage, hope is an indication of certainty. “Hope” in Scripture means “a strong and confident expectation.” Though archaic today in modern terms, hope is similar to trust and a confident expectation.
The comforting promise of Biblical hope is that we can be certain of it.
There is no uncertainty in hope that is offered to us by our Heavenly Father. Hope can be a curious thing, though. Honestly, we've all lost hope at some point during our lives. Maybe there was the time when you were without a job and had no money. Perhaps, it was a health issue where you thought there was no hope for you, or a loved one. I could continue, but I think you get the point. Our lives are filled with uncertainty; there are no guarantees.
A man sentenced to death obtained a reprieve by assuring the king he would teach his majesty's horse to fly within the year--on the condition that if he didn't succeed, he would be put to death at the end of the year. "Within a year," the man explained later, "the king may die, or I may die, or the horse may die. Furthermore, in a year, who knows? Maybe the horse will learn to fly." -Bernard M. Baruch.
Hope may refer to the activity of hoping, or to the object hoped for (i.e., the content of one’s hope). By its very nature, hope stresses two things: (a) futurity, or expectation, and (b) invisibility, or imperceptibility. Thus, it deals with things we can’t see, or haven’t received, or both.
In the Bible, hope is never a static, or passive thing. It's dynamic, active, directive and life sustaining. This quickly becomes obvious as we read the Word. Take a concordance, look up the word “hope” and you'll find reference after reference; pointing out the active results of hope in the lives of those who truly have a biblical hope, and live accordingly.
That is to say, a biblical hope isn't an escape from reality, or from problems. It doesn't leave us dormant, drifting, or simply rocking on the front porch. Not for a minute! If our hope is biblical and based on God's promises, it will definitely engage us.
Most importantly, by being dynamic, hope also offers something else. It has rewards and blessings. It changes how we see ourselves (2 Peter 1:13; 1 Peter 2:11). It changes what we value (Matthew 6:19-21). It affects what we do with our lives—our talents, time, treasures (1 John 3:1-3).
If it is grasped according to God's truth, the Christian life is a magnificent obsession with an eternal hope, a hope that doesn't lead to an escapist attitude, but to the pursuit of life on a whole new dimension. Hope also has rewards and blessings. It gives us joy and peace (Romans 15:13; Romans 5:2). It gives us protection (Psalm 33:18). It gives us strength, courage, boldness (Psalm 31:24).
Always remember that God is called “the God of Hope.” This means He is the source of all real hope. Take a minute and ask yourself these following questions. On what have you fixed your hope? Does your life prove it? Has it changed who you are, what you value, and what you are doing with your life? If we are going to have hope (confident expectation), it must come from Him; for He alone has the power to give it.
"Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe." -Saint Augustine
Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11; Deuteronomy 31:6; Psalm 39:7; Romans 8:24; Psalm 71:14; Psalm 71:5; Lamentations 3:24
Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank you for this beautiful day. And, I ask for your guidance and wisdom as I go into it. Amen
God bless you!
Jadyn
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