noun 1. a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. 2. a feeling of trust.
verb
1. want something to happen or be the case.
Questions:
What do you hope for in your life? Macro hopes? Micro hopes?
Who do you put your hope in? Who puts their hope in you?
How is your hope? Has it ever waned? Do you know someone who struggles with hopelessness?
As a central theme in scripture the Bible has some great encouragement and reminders of where and to whom we are to place our hope. Here are some key verses.
Psalm 31:24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. Psalm 62:5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. Psalm 130:5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Romans 8:24,25 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 1:7 And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort Ephesians 1:18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 1 Timothy 4:10 And for this we labor and strive, that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe. Titus 3:7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 1 Peter 1:13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.