What is hope? Is it a kind of unsure optimism? The idea or “definition” of hope is “to wish for, to expect, but without certainty of the fulfillment; to desire very much, but with no real assurance of getting your desire.”
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.”
It is tangible, we can put our trust in, and it is what will happen. The type of hope we can put a sound faith in.
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.”
It is tangible, we can put our trust in, and it is what will happen. The type of hope we can put a sound faith in.
Hope, if biblical, makes us heavenly minded rather than earthly minded.
Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)
19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Hope affects how we use our talents, time, and treasures in our lives.
1 John 3:1-3 (NIV)
1How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears,[a]we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.
1How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears,[a]we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.
Hope gives us protection
Psalm 33:18 (NIV)
18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
Hope gives us joy and peace
Romans 5:2 (NIV)
2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[a] rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[a] rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
In summary, hope is the confident expectation, the sure certainty that what God has promised in the Word is true, has occurred, and or will in accordance with God’s sure Word.
Hope is one of the most amazing things that God could have provided us. It’s a promise from Him that we can be confident knowing His promises are true. Apply that to daily life and no matter what you are going through, you can live with joy, love, and hope knowing that everything is in God’s hands.
(Portions of this explanation of Hope was written by J. Hampton Keathley III, Th.M.)
Great insights!!!!
ReplyDeletePeople often do think of hope as this vague, emotional, flight of fancy....more of a "wish."
You know that quote about hope being a thing with feathers that perches in the soul, etc. etc....?? While it's a nice quote, I think it diminishes what true hope is. I see hope as this powerful FORCE, as something we can wield against the enemy, a weapon in the fight of faith....and it ain't wimpy and it doesn't "perch!" The difference HOPE makes in our lives is amazing, it's what fuels me and gets me out of bed in the morning and helps me face the future. Knowing it's not just this vague thing, but depending on God's promises, which never change and never fail...well, it's awesome.
Thanks for the reminder!!