<Desire+Expectation=?>

The essential quality of hope is that it is oriented to something in the future that one expects but does not yet possess. Hope is something for which one waits eagerly or patiently; it is something that should be un-shaken and steadfast. Hope is something that is set on its object. Hope is often associated with joy, faith, perseverance, and endurance.

The scriptures teach us that our hope in God translates to an anchor of the soul, both steadfast and sure, note:

Hebrews 6:17-20 “Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, 18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. 19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul , both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, 20 where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”

Hope is stored within all those who practice good works in the face of evil, note:

1 Peter 3:15-17 “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you , with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”

1 Peter 1:3-5 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

Hope has no part with doubt, fear, apathy, trespass, worldliness, wrath, worry, and hatred.

True hope lies in the knowledge that we have been made alive, who were dead in our trespasses and sins and that in this new life; God will show the riches of His grace toward us through Christ Jesus ( Ephesians 2:1,7 ).

Ephesians 3:17-19 “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height-- 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”