Hopefulness

As we look back over our lives, we can see hiw our different hopes defined the various stages of our lives. When we were very young, our hopes were centered around having fun wherever we went. Then our hopes became focused on making the team, the choir, and good grades. After that, we hoped to get into the right university or military service. Then our desires were to attract the perfect spouse and find the perfect job. Our hopes moved on to our family needs and financial goals, perhaps. As we get older we have hopes for our children and grandchildren, as well as personal concerns like health.

Hope is defined as the desire and expectation of certain things. But the Biblical definition of hope is trust. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Those who love God can “know” that God will work everything out for good. We have a confident knowledge and trust in God to be faithful to this promise and all the other promises of God.

Therefore, we can say with the psalmist, “But I will hope continually and praise you yet more and more.” Each day and eternity is filled with hope for the believer.