The wrong and right kind of hope

Hope is a strange thing. It’s also a thing we get wrong a lot in our culture today. We often confuse true hope for our desires.

“I hope this meeting does go long.”

“Our son has baseball. He’s hoping it doesn’t rain. I hope he doesn’t freak out if it’s canceled.”

“I sure hope this date goes well.”

This “hope” is a desire with anticipation. It’s based in uncertainty. This is not biblical hope.

Biblical hope is an expectation with confidence. There is a difference. There is still uncertainty in the outcome of the situation. But there is full certainty and confidence in the Father to bring all things to His conclusion for the glory of his name.

When anxiety or uncertainty plague us, we can turn to the Father for peace being certain in His Word and faithful character.

“So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.” Hebrews‬ ‭6‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This may better be described as “having hope”.

“I have hope that the Lord will give me the right words to say during this meeting.”

“I have hope that if it rains out this game my son will trust the Lord with His timing”

“I have hope that the Lord will give me wisdom to find a godly spouse.”

There is so much more to say about biblical hope: confident expectation. But I’ll end with Paul’s words to the Romans. I encourage you to memorize this one today:

“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.” Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭13‬ ‭ESV‬‬