Probably one of the most over-used and misused words in public conversation right now is "hope." I know I'm not the only one who has pointed this out, and I'm certainly not the first person to take issue with the fact such a wonderful word has been drained of its meaning. The original meaning of the word is to place trust or rely on, to look forward with reasonable confidence. In other words, hope must have an object. The notion that hope is just this feeling you have when you wish something, like Jimminy Cricket is an error!
Hope must have an object otherwise it is simply wishful thinking. As Christians we know what the object of our hope is! We have a reasonable expectation based on the Word of God that He will fulfill His promises! Hebrews 11 begins with the phrase, "Now faith is substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." The following verses outline in what's known as the "Hall of Faith" centuries of saints who have seen the work of their God and hoped in His promises. "These died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them." That's hope! Our righteous and Holy God has proven Himself faithful and worthy of hope!
Now where does the change come in? This hope in the promises of God should cause a change in our actions. Why do we worry? Why do we give up? Why do we succumb to temptation? We have the promises of God freeing us from worry (Matthew 6:25-34), doubt (Galatians 6:9), and sin (1 Corinthians 10:13)!
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