Biblical “Hope”- the definition Is “Confident expectation” not based on “chance,” or “wishful thinking” but based on God, and His Word!
“In the Old Testament the Hebrew word batah and its cognates has the meaning of confidence, security, and being without care; therefore, the concept of doubt is not part of this word. We find that meaning in Job 6:20; Psalm 16:9; Psalm 22:9; and Ecclesiastes 9:4. In most instances in the New Testament, the word hope is the Greek elpis/elpizo. Again, there is no doubt attached to this word. Therefore, biblical hope is a confident expectation or assurance based upon a sure foundation for which we wait with joy and full confidence. In other words, “There is no doubt about it!”
One of the verses in which we find the word hope is Hebrews 11:1. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” This verse at the beginning of the faith chapter (Hebrews 11) carries with it all of the confidence that comes with knowing for sure, with no question, what we have been promised by God in His Word. Our faith is confident assurance, for it is founded upon the Rock of our salvation, the Lord Jesus Christ. All of the actions of the heroes of the faith recorded in Hebrews 11 were made possible because they had this faith based in their confident assurance or hope in God. As believers, we are also called to give an answer for the hope that is within us to any who would ask (1 Peter 3:15).
Therefore, biblical hope is a reality and not a feeling. Biblical hope carries no doubt. Biblical hope is a sure foundation upon which we base our lives, believing that God always keeps His promises. Hope or confident assurance can be ours when we trust the words, “He who believes on Me has everlasting life” (John 6:47, NKJV). Accepting that gift of eternal life means our hope is no longer filled with doubt but, rather, has at its sure foundation the whole of God’s Word, the entirety of God’s character, and the finished work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”-{gotquestions.com}
The word speaks of A certainty of Future Good and so we can confidently say with expectation, “We know that GOD Causes ALL THINGS to work together for good, to those who love God. and are the called according to His purpose…” The Good ultimately? “…to become conformed to the image of His Son, “To become like His Son…- {Rom 8:28-29}. God causes “all things,” good things, bad things, “all things” are under His authority leading to His end, your spiritual and eternal good! His Magnificent promise – to work ultimately for your eternal good!-{v 29}.
So whatever is happening we can Hope in God and His Word and have “confident expectation” that He is working “good,” and He will fulfil His Promise! He “causes,” and no one can stop Him .“God causes…” He has the ability, authority, Sovereignty to bring it about, and it is He who is working it “all” not some of it but “all” of it for “good” for those who “love God and are the called,” and nothing or no one can thwart Him from achieving His “purpose!!”
So, we don’t live by “chance,” uncertainty, but by “confident expectation” in God and His Word! At times as one dear friend once shared with me, “it may not feel good, look good, but He promises it will work out for good!” So, go forward in faith, not based on what you see or don’t see but on what He says and Who He is, “The God of all Hope…”
I leave you with this prayer for you and for YOU to pray for SOMEONE ELSE,
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”-{Rom 15:13}
Our Hope is not based on what we see But on What He says! It will Happen Because He has Said it will, and He stakes His Word and Reputation on it!
Remember; Biblical Hope Is A Certainty Not A Maybe!