The character study I did with my daughter says: Hope is to believe something will happen in the future that will make you happy and fulfill your needs. Hope is: believing in yourself, being cheerful and positive, being flexible, encouraging others, trusting in God's promises.
Wikipedia defines hope - Hope is a belief in a positive outcome related to events and circumstances in one's life. Hope implies a certain amount of despair, wanting, wishing, suffering or perseverance — i.e., believing that a better or positive outcome is possible even when there is some evidence to the contrary.
A favorite Scripture regarding hope - Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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. Isaiah 40:30-31
What part does hope play in your life? How does hope keep you from giving up or feeling discouraged? What are your hopes?
18 comments:
Robin, this is so timely in our lives. Our dear friend, the one I've asked prayer for in the past, is dying of cancer. We went to see him to say good-bye and guess what? He had just received a message of hope from his doctor. A doctor that told him "there is no hope for a cure!" But the doctor is not a believer (well, not yet;) We sat with him and just loved on each other and relished the hope. What exactly does it mean to "hope in the Lord"? Are we suppose to hope God will fix things (a passive response) or have hope in whatever God will do (an active response)? Can we actually be active in our responses and have it change an outcome or is it totally in God's control?? Do you get what I'm asking?
Be blessed friend.
Life Adapted - Great comment. I love your HOPE in "But the doctor is not a believer (well, not yet;)" - beautiful! Great questions! I think we should pray without ceasing, Hope in the Lord, and act as HE directs and TRUST HIM for the outcome.
Sometimes it doesn't make since to hope with no action on our part. I could hope my laundry would get done, but if I don't march down stairs and load the washer the chances are slim to none - ok they are NONE.
I love the hymn - The Solid Rock - my Sunday School teacher in college had us sing the first verse and chorus each Sunday as we left our class.
My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus name.
Chorus
On Christ the solid Rock I stand; All other ground is sinking sand. All other ground is sinking sand.
Words by Edward Mote, 1834
Since my blog is called "Journey of Hope", you know that hope is what keeps me going. Hope is something that no one or no thing can take away from you. It's like integrity...it's yours to keep or yours to give away...it cannot be stolen. Without hope, life would be pretty discouraging. My deepest hope is that my children will return to the God of their childhood. I hold tightly to that hope, even when it seems so unlikely. They have been surrendered to the hands of Jesus, for He alone can work miracles!
I tagged you.
Perfect timing! My external hard drive fell off a table last night, and this morning it tells me it needs a disc. The scripture I keep thinking of is from James 1.
" 2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. "
Despite the fear I am battling concerning the hard drive, I find myself rejoicing that I will see God's faithfulness, something even better will result, and I will be matured through this.
Hope looks so different.
Hope for healing.
Hope for a cure.
Hope the car will get to work and back.
Hope for a new car.
Hope the hard drive will work.
Hope that I will have more faith and less fear.
Hope of peace despite circumstances because I know God never gives less than the greatest.
I hope I have the wisdom to know the hope to which I am called...in whatever form it takes.
I have heard that to live life to the fullest you need to have 3 things:
Someone to love
Something to do
Something to look forward to
And is Christ, we have all 3 of these.
But it's nice on this earth to have family to love, a work to do, and hope for future things, too.
Good study for your daughter.
Hope is what it is all about. Hope makes us look to and for a future. The word hope has even taken on a political twist now.
I was thinking that hope in God meant more like dependence or something like that, but it might be the same after all. Good post Robin.
Its been a busy few days and I haven't had much time to be on blogs...
Carol - thanks for your comment - love your blog name - you are full of HOPE!
Jerri - I'm glad you stopped by and I need to get over to your blog shortly to find out about the tag :) Thanks for your comment too - I can feel the hope in all you say! I love your HOPE list and can relate!
Ruthie - I always appreciate your comments. You are right in your three comments about hope. Without something to hope for - eternity with Jesus - none of this would be worth it... makes me think of another hymn
- humor me as I type the words in my next comment - must find them :) It's a beautiful hymn.
This hymn reminds me that hope is necessary and that one day it will be worth it all...
I always think of this hymn as "Worth It All", but the title is:
"When We See Christ" Words and music by Esther Kerr Rusthoi, 1941
Oft-times the day seems long – Our trials hard to bear: We’re tempted to complain, To murmur and despair. But Christ will soon appear To catch His brined away – All tears forever over In God’s eternal day.
Chorus
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus. Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ. One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase. So bravely run the race till we see Christ.
Sometimes the sky looks dark, With not a ray of light; We’re tossed and driven on – No human help in sight. But there is One in heav’n Who knows our deepest care. Let Jesus solve your problem; Just go to Him in pray’r.
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus. Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ. One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase. So bravely run the race till we see Christ.
Life’s day will soon be o’er – All storms forever past. We’ll cross the great divide To glory, safe at last. We’ll share the joys of heav’n – A harp, a home, a crown. The tempter will be banished; We’ll lay our burdens down.
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus. Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ. One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase. So bravely run the race till we see Christ.
Papa - Hope is what it's all about. I don't think ANY politian can give us hope because it can only be in Jesus, but I know you already know that :)
Julie/Wonder Woman - Your new avatar is cute - I was a Wonder Woman fan as a kid too. I can see how hope can be dependence on God. Hope can be a lot of things. The main thing is that we have something to hope for that is worth our hope :)
I am ever hopeful and expectant ~ I think when we loose hope we loose faith in God. I think it is essential in our walk with the Lord!
Yes, Mel - I agree 100%
i agree with mon~through~sun
we loose hope , we are lost!
hope ya have a good a safe weekend
huggs
Thanks Jel :) I hope you have a great weekend too.
I was just chuckling as I looked back on what I typed and I said HOPE. I use that word a lot and yes, I'd be lost without hope too!
Hope a word of promise. One I cling to day by day. One day our hopes will be satisfied. On that day, we will enter into heaven's gates and Christ's embrace forever.
Great thought here.
Thanks, Robin.
Amen Tiffany! Hope for Heaven! Hope for Jesus!
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