Hope

Definition: The Bible defines hope as a confident expectation and trust in God’s promises. In the biblical sense, hope isn’t just wishful thinking; it is a firm assurance about things that are unseen and yet to come. Christian hope is grounded in faith in God, His character, and His Word.

Key Scriptures about Hope

1. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
   • This verse reflects God’s plans for our future, giving us hope.
2. Romans 15:13 “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
   • Here, hope is connected with joy, peace, and the Holy Spirit’s power.
3. Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
   • This connects hope directly with faith, showing hope as a part of a larger framework of belief.
4. Psalm 42:11 “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”
   • This passage emphasizes the importance of hoping in God even in difficult times.
5. Isaiah 40:31 “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
   • This verse describes the strength that comes from hoping and waiting on God.
6. Romans 5:5 “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
   • This verse affirms that hope in God does not disappoint.
7. Lamentations 3:24-26 “The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.”
   • This passage reminds us of God’s goodness to those who place their hope in Him.

Prayer Points with Scriptures

1. Prayer for Renewed Hope in God’s Promises
   • Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
   • Prayer: Lord, I thank You for Your plans for my life. Help me to rest in Your promises and renew my hope in the future You have designed for me.
2. Prayer for Hope in Difficult Times
   • Scripture: Psalm 42:11 – “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? … hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him.”
   • Prayer: Heavenly Father, when my soul is downcast, remind me to put my hope in You. Strengthen my spirit to trust in Your deliverance and to continue praising You.
3. Prayer for Joy and Peace Through Hope
   • Scripture: Romans 15:13 – “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
   • Prayer: Father, fill me with joy and peace as I put my hope in You. Let the power of the Holy Spirit abound in me, giving me strength to trust in Your promises.
4. Prayer for Strength to Wait on God
   • Scripture: Isaiah 40:31 – “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.”
   • Prayer: Lord, grant me the strength to wait on You. Renew my spirit as I place my hope in Your timing and Your perfect plan for my life.
5. Prayer for Hope in God’s Love
   • Scripture: Romans 5:5 – “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
   • Prayer: Father, thank You that hope in You does not disappoint. Let Your love fill my heart through the Holy Spirit, so I can continue to live in confident expectation of Your goodness.

These scriptures and prayer points are centered around the idea that hope is rooted in God’s unchanging nature and promises. When we align our hopes with His will, we find peace, strength, and joy even in the midst of life’s challenges.

1. Abraham’s Hope for a Son (Romans 4:18-21)
   • “Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.” (Romans 4:18)
   • Example: Abraham hoped against all odds when God promised him a son, even though he and his wife Sarah were old and well past childbearing years. His hope was not based on what he could see but on God’s promise. Eventually, God fulfilled that promise by giving them Isaac, demonstrating that hope in God leads to the fulfillment of His promises.
2. Job’s Hope in Suffering (Job 13:15)
   • “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” (Job 13:15)
   • Example: Job experienced unimaginable suffering, losing his children, wealth, and health. Despite everything, he held on to hope in God, declaring that even if God allowed him to die, he would continue to trust Him. Job’s hope in God’s ultimate justice and goodness was eventually rewarded, as God restored him and blessed him even more than before.
3. Hannah’s Hope for a Child (1 Samuel 1:9-20)
   • Example: Hannah was barren for many years and deeply grieved over her inability to have children. However, she placed her hope in God, prayed earnestly, and made a vow to dedicate her child to God if He blessed her with one. God answered her prayers, and she gave birth to Samuel, who became a great prophet in Israel.
4. David’s Hope in God During Trials (Psalm 27:13-14)
   • “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” (Psalm 27:13-14)
   • Example: David often found himself in dangerous and life-threatening situations, especially when being pursued by King Saul. Despite the fear and uncertainty, David continually placed his hope in God’s protection and deliverance. He trusted that God would see him through, and God honored his hope, eventually making him king of Israel.
5. The Woman with the Issue of Blood (Mark 5:25-34)
   • Example: This woman suffered from a condition for twelve years that made her unclean according to Jewish law, and no doctor could heal her. She had lost everything in pursuit of a cure but placed her hope in Jesus. She believed that if she could just touch the hem of His garment, she would be healed. Her hope in Jesus was rewarded when she was instantly healed after touching His cloak.
6. Simeon’s Hope for the Messiah (Luke 2:25-32)
   • Example: Simeon was a devout man who had been waiting for the “consolation of Israel”—the coming of the Messiah. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die before he had seen the Christ. Despite living under Roman occupation, Simeon hoped in God’s promise. His hope was fulfilled when he saw the baby Jesus in the temple and recognized Him as the Savior.
7. Paul’s Hope in Eternal Life (2 Timothy 4:6-8)
   • “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:8)
   • Example: The Apostle Paul endured countless hardships, imprisonments, beatings, and shipwrecks for the sake of the Gospel. Yet, he maintained hope in the eternal life promised by Christ. Even as he faced death, Paul’s hope was in the resurrection and the crown of righteousness that awaited him in heaven.

These examples from the Bible and modern life highlight how hope sustains people in difficult circumstances. Whether waiting for the fulfillment of a promise, enduring suffering, or facing uncertainty, hope in God provides strength, peace, and eventual reward. Biblical hope is always grounded in God’s faithfulness, character, and promises.