Hope should be the architect that shapes our future, not hurt or pain! The Hebrew word for hope is batach and it means trust, confidence, security, and being without care. We find this meaning lived out in Job 6:20; Psalm 16:9; Psalm 22:9; and Ecclesiastes 9:4.
The Greek word for hope is elpis and it’s definition is almost identical to the Hebrew definition. Therefore, I believe it would be safe to opine that biblical hope is a confident expectation or assurance based upon a sure foundation for which we wait with joy and full confidence.
This confirmation is found in Hebrews 11. This chapter has been dubbed the “Hall of Faith” or the “Faith Hall of Fame” and verse one says, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Justifiably, faith and hope are running mates and both terms represents confidence and assurance. Fact is, these two terms are inseparable and you can’t have one without the other and together they empower us to cast out all forms of doubt and fear. Together these two powerful words build the footing upon which we base our lives, believing that God always delivers on His promises.
On a side bar, did you know as believers we are also called to give an answer for the hope that is within us to any who would ask? I Peter 3:15 confirms, “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect..”
With that said, biblical hope is far from wishful thinking. It is a reality and not a feeling and combine with faith in God it carries no doubt. Hope is the fundamental component of life and without it, life literally loses it footing.
Friends, despite the darkness surrounding our nation, don’t ever forget that biblical hope produces joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit and Paul confirms this fact in Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Hope is seeing light in spite of being surrounded by darkness!
4GIVEN 