HOPE VERSUS FEAR

‘Hope distinguishes the Christian from the unbeliever, who has no hope (Eph. 2:12; 1 Thess. 4:13). Indeed, a Christian is one in whom hope resides (1 Pet. 3:15; 1 John 3:3). In contrast to Old Testament hope, the Christian hope is superior (Heb. 7:19). Christian hope comes from God (Rom. 15:13) and especially His calling (Eph. 1:18; 4:4), His grace (2 Thess. 2:16), His Word (Rom. 15:4) and His gospel (Col. 1:23). Hope is directed toward God (Acts 24:15; 1 Pet. 1:21) and Christ (1 Thess. 1:3; 1 Tim. 1:1). Its appropriate objects are eternal life (Titus 1:2; 3:7), salvation (1 Thess. 5:8), righteousness (Gal. 5:5), the glory of God (Rom. 5:2; Col. 1:27), the appearing of Christ (Titus 2:13) and the resurrection from the dead (Acts 23:6; 26:6–7).

Hope would be in contrast to fear, Do not be afraid or fear not (365 times in Scripture)

Another word for hope is assurance which is produced by faith, Eph. 3:12; 2 Tim. 1:12; Heb. 10:22. Made full by hope, Heb. 6:11, 19. Confirmed by love, 1 John 3:14, 19; 4:18. Is the effect of righteousness, Isa. 32:17. Is abundant in the understanding of the gospel, Col. 2:2; 1 Thess. 1:5.

Closely associated with hope is the word wait: (yah-chal); Strong’s #3176: To wait, tarry, hope, trust, expect; be patient; remain in anticipation. Yachal appears thirty-eight times in the Old Testament. Its first occurrence is in Genesis 8:10, in the account of Noah’s waiting seven days, from the time he first sent out the dove until he sent her out again. Yachal is often translated “hope” (Pss. 31:24; 33:18; 130:5, 7; 147:11). The correct way to hope and wait for the Lord is to steadfastly expect His mercy, His salvation, and His rescue, and while waiting, not take matters into one’s own hand.

“Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness,”

Abraham believed on hope and Romans 8:24 says we are saved by hope(Rom 8:24) For we are saved by hope. But hope that is seen is not hope; for what anyone sees, why does he also hope for it?

Somewhere inside you, faith is CRAVING HOPE so that it may give substance & proof to unseen realities! Don't Worry, Hope!

Hope deferred makes the heart sick.(Pro 13:12) Hope put off makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life. The Tree of Life is Jesus.

Hope is based on the Nature & Character of God--not optimism or wishful thinking!!!! Hope in God!

Father, we thank You when our HOPE perspective changes, everything will change! For our hope is built on “nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” Our hope and life is in You, Lord and none else. We decree and declare new experiences of hope, joy, peace and new life in You. Amen