There are a lot of Bible verses that have the word hope, and many more that direct us to hope without even using the word directly. Through these verses, we can be uplifted, find hope when we are searching for it, and learn more about what Godly hope is. Through them, we also learn more about God’s character which ultimately brings us closer to Him. This can not only refuel our hope but also keeps us strong in trials for we know who is working for us and where to turn in these times.
Today as we worship, we will take a look at some of these verses and what they can reveal to us about the hope we innately long for…innately long for because we were created in His image to worship and follow Him who longs to provide it for us.
The dictionary defines hope as “a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen”, and as a verb-”want something to happen or be the case.” But, it also says “a feeling of trust” under the word “archaic.” For us, for hope to also be trust is not archaic. It’s a deeper definition of hope in the Lord.
Hebrews 6:19-20 says: We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. “This hope”, Godly hope, is an anchor for us, providing us firm and secure footing in certain and uncertain times. We also see in this verse, the type of hope that is filled with expectation. Because of Jesus, we can look to heaven and eternity with God because of his sacrifice for us knowing He is there waiting for us when God says it’s time.
Hebrews 11:1: Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hope is connected to faith. We hope for the Lord and his blessings. This verse tells us to be confident in that hope even though we don’t physically see Him. Another way to understand hope from this verse is to know that when we hope for something, especially when it is aligned with God’s will, we can be confident God will provide (see also Mark 11:24). Even if it doesn’t look exactly like what we pictured, God will follow through, in His timing, and in His own way (sometimes it looks different than our mental picture but is better than what we hoped for).
Psalm 62:5: Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. Hope literally comes from God, so when we are low on hope, we already have our own Google Map of where to find it. It also provides us rest. When we seek Him for comfort, guidance, strength, we find hope in Him which ultimately gives us peace which is where our soul can find rest. The truth is when we find ourselves in a time of anguish, despair, disappointment, etc., we are looking for knowledge that things are going to turn out the way we want because it will provide us peace. In essence, all those feelings are uncomfortable and stir unrest within us. But with God and His hope, there is peace because we know who He is and that His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).
2 Corinthians 3:12: Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. Since we have hope in the Lord, expectation of good things because He works for our good, we can be bold in our faith and our actions. Here, hope can also be trust. Since we trust in the One who created all things and in His unconditional love, we can trust that our situation will turn out the way it is supposed to. We can trust that we have someone to find rest and comfort in until we heal from situations that bring us hurt, and that He will bring us blessings we can rejoice in.
Hope is the expectation of good things and blessings from God, peace and comfort in knowing He is making a way for us, and trust in His plan even when we don’t understand. As you continue with your day, carry His hope with you. No matter your current situation, there is hope to be found in our Lord.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your Scripture and loving ways that fill me with hope to carry me through all situations. I ask that you pour your hope into my heart allowing me to find peace in the circumstances that I don’t understand and expectation of Your wonderful plan for me. Help me to see Your hand in my life that I may remember the only hope I need, comes from You.
In Jesus Name,
Amen