It is rare to have a conversation with a friend or loved one and not hear the word “hope.” It is a frequent word in our vocabulary because it indicates anticipation, optimism, expectation, and even courage to face what might happen in the future. Even in our lowest times, we remain hopeful.
In order to believe things we hope for will happen, we must have faith. We must also have trust. We are hopeful events in our future will happen, we have faith they will happen, and we trust our faith.
In Christianity, we believe that once we have accepted Christ as our Savior, we will have eternal life. This is what the Apostle Paul wrote in one of his letters to the new believers in Rome.
For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience Romans 8:24-25
The Apostle Paul conveyed much of the Christian doctrine in the letters he wrote to believers in the newly established churches. In this part of the letter, he is explaining what we know now as salvation in God’s kingdom. We know that this will happen. We hope and wait for the day when we fully know eternal life in heaven. But we cannot see this yet. We know it awaits us and we must be patient.
As the verse above reminds us, we hope for what we do not yet know. One problem with our earthly hope is that it increases the likelihood we will have worry. We hope something will occur, we wonder when it will happen, we anticipate and hope it happens soon, and when it doesn’t, we worry. Worry can lead to anxiety. This type of hope/worry/anxiety is not helpful to you. But this type of anxiety is linked to anticipation and is part of our human nature. Rather than have these thoughts running around in your mind night and day, you can turn the hope for earthly things into prayer. Pray, then rely on God to hear your prayers. Your prayers will be answered at the right time. Pray and feel the peace that only faith can provide.
Now faith is the assurance of thing hoped for, the conviction of things not seen Hebrews 11:1
And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you Psalm 39:7
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