Overflowing With Hope

“Let us hold fast the confession of [our] hope without wavering, for He who promised [is] faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 NKJV

Hope is defined as “to expect with confidence.” Another definition states “to desire with expectation.” The fact that “hope” occurs sixty-nine times in the New Testament (NKJV) is significant. Many scholars and such emphasize faith, grace and love but hope is also important!

Hope is what we can hang on to in our sometimes uncertain and unsettling world.

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,” Hebrews 6:19 NKJV

An anchor keeps a boat from randomly roaming the waves. It prevents the vessel from drifting off course. The anchor provides stability, allowing the boat to stay in a designated position. We need an anchor of hope to keep us from drifting or becoming caught up in currents that can get us off course. 

Hope affords us God’s peace and presence in the midst of those circumstances we can’t comprehend. Hope is the confident expectancy of God’s hand to keep us firmly planted in His will no matter what is going on around us.

We are often programmed to believe our best results stem from our best efforts. And yes that is often true to a certain degree. However, I have found that in matters where I have been truly helpless, unable to physically affect the changes I want to see, it has been hope for God’s best that has held me together and delivered the best outcomes.

I have often heard individuals state they were “afraid to get their hopes up.” They allow their fear of disappointment to override a faith for their future.

Yet, I am afraid not to get my hopes up. Without hope, some of the more mundane aspects of life would overwhelm me. Hope keeps me afloat and on top of those waves that threaten to overtake me.

Hope is necessary. 

Rarely are our lives stress free and smooth sailing all the time. God knows we need the anchor of hope to keep us in Him as we traverse stormy waters and trials that threaten to pull us under.

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 
Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our heats by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5: 1-5 NKJV

Many people are merely existing instead of living because they are hopeless. They have no positive expectation for their future. A lack of desire or vision for the future places people at risk to be moved by any current (trend, idea, deceit) that would float them aimlessly along instead of being firmly anchored in God and His best for their lives.

Hopelessness forces people to rely on themselves and their own (often inadequate) efforts for the fulfillment they are desperate for. Disappointments in life can surely bring most of us to the brink of hopelessness. Yet, we are instructed to hold on and not “cast away” our confidence in God.

If you have lost hope, God can make you hopeful once more. What should you hope for? Ask God.

The more we seek God, the more He speaks to us.

God gives us dreams, ideas, visions, promptings, confirmations and declarations. God stirs within us the things we truly desire, can work toward, pray for and confidently await.

Dare to stir up your hope! You’ve nothing to lose and everything to gain.

“For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope,” Romans 15:4 NKJV

“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise” 
Hebrews 10:35-36 NKJV

This guest post was written by Lilka Raphael. You can find more of her writings and musings at BisforBlessed.com and GodAutismAndMe.com. She has written two devotional books: “P is for Prayer” and “God and the Garden”.