Hope

[peacefulbeliever]

What is "hope"? Is "hope" just wishful thinking"?

hope - elpis - to anticipate, usually with pleasure 1) expectation of evil, fear 2) expectation of good A. in the Christian sense 1) joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation - on hope, in hope, having hope A. the author of hope or who is its foundation

If our hope is in man - then it could be just wishful thinking but with our hope toward God it is a joyful confident expectation of eternal salvation and a joyful confident expectation of eternal life. Our hope in the resurrection helps keep us looking forward to Christ's return and our life with him. It is "expectant" just as an expectant mother looks forward to the birth of her child with joy and confidence - we look forward to eternal life with Jesus Christ in joy and confidence. Our hope in the resurrection keeps the desire to be sinless within us for we will have to stand before the judgment seat of Christ and be judged for the things done in this body whether good or bad and gain rewards or loss of rewards.

What is our expectant end?

Titus 1:2 . . . In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; That is our hope - our rejoicing that we will be in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming.

Titus 2:13,14 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Titus 3:3-7 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness [for salvation] but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

1 Thess. 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. Others that have no hope sorrow greatly when they loose a loved one even to the point of severe depression or suicide - they do not have that hope within themselves of being in the resurrection from the dead -

Hebrews 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. Holding fast that confidence and rejoicing of the hope keeps our eyes focused upon Christ - when we feel like it's too much and we're ready to chunk it all - look toward that finish line - look toward that hope in the resurrection - look toward seeing Him and being as He is . . .

1 John 3:2,3 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

 

[dcontroversal]

What is "hope"? Is "hope" just wishful thinking"?

hope - elpis - to anticipate, usually with pleasure 1) expectation of evil, fear 2) expectation of good A. in the Christian sense 1) joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation - on hope, in hope, having hope A. the author of hope or who is its foundation

If our hope is in man - then it could be just wishful thinking but with our hope toward God it is a joyful confident expectation of eternal salvation and a joyful confident expectation of eternal life. Our hope in the resurrection helps keep us looking forward to Christ's return and our life with him. It is "expectant" just as an expectant mother looks forward to the birth of her child with joy and confidence - we look forward to eternal life with Jesus Christ in joy and confidence. Our hope in the resurrection keeps the desire to be sinless within us for we will have to stand before the judgment seat of Christ and be judged for the things done in this body whether good or bad and gain rewards or loss of rewards.

What is our expectant end?

Titus 1:2 . . . In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; That is our hope - our rejoicing that we will be in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming.

Titus 2:13,14 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Titus 3:3-7 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness [for salvation] but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

1 Thess. 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. Others that have no hope sorrow greatly when they loose a loved one even to the point of severe depression or suicide - they do not have that hope within themselves of being in the resurrection from the dead -

Hebrews 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. Holding fast that confidence and rejoicing of the hope keeps our eyes focused upon Christ - when we feel like it's too much and we're ready to chunk it all - look toward that finish line - look toward that hope in the resurrection - look toward seeing Him and being as He is . . .

1 John 3:2,3 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

I agree and will add......You know....a lack of biblical faith, hope and love results in a society that is destined to implode and explode....just like many people will get up today world wide, and thinking that all is lost with no hope will whack themselves...kind of like the stock market crash in the 19th century....many a man did a triple gainer off the 50th (proverbial) floor to his own death because he had lost his god in whom he trusted.....Thank God for HOPE and as long as you are breathing, conscience and of a right mind there is HOPE.

 

[Blain]

I have a story about hope. I have hope because if I didnt my faith would be useless. I am not strong in faith yet, I still lack love and maturity in Christ very deeply. I stumble day in and day out in a battle that seems impossible to win, but I have hope. I have hope that even in all my weakness in faith my lack of love and everything that God is I have hope that he will make me strong.
Hope is what gets me out of bed, I feel weary inside as if my soul is worn out from being in this world. As if my time here is quickly disappearing, needing rest in Gods arms. The only thing that gets me out of bed and keeps me going is the hope that I will find God today, that I may seek him and find him that I may be enriched in his amazing love and grace.

I know I am to keep going and to be strong and have faith and I do I do all this the best I can, I just have this strange feeling in my soul that my time here is running out that I dont belong here like a dead spirit doesnt belong with the living.

Why does my soul feel so weary? Why does it seem as if my time running short? Why do I seem to long for death? I dont know, I only know it is hope that keeps me going. I will seek God to the ends of the earth and I would give up anything and everything I have and own just know him on a much deeper level.

 

[psychomom]

Blain....this is for you.

Ps 42
1As the deer pants for streams of water,

so my soul pants for you, my God.
2My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?
3My tears have been my food
day and night,
while people say to me all day long,
“Where is your God?”
4These things I remember
as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go to the house of God
under the protection of the Mighty One

with shouts of joy and praise
among the festive throng.

5Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

6My soul is downcast within me;
therefore I will remember you
from the land of the Jordan,
the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.
7Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.

8By day the Lord directs his love,
at night his song is with me—
a prayer to the God of my life.

9I say to God my Rock,
“Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I go about mourning,
oppressed by the enemy?”
10My bones suffer mortal agony
as my foes taunt me,
saying to me all day long,
“Where is your God?”

11Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

Rom 5
1Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
2through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.
3And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;
4and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;

5and (wait for iiiiit...) hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

 

[crossnote]

1 John 4:16-18 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

 

[Blain]

Blain....this is for you.

Ps 42
1As the deer pants for streams of water,

so my soul pants for you, my God.
2My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?
3My tears have been my food
day and night,
while people say to me all day long,
“Where is your God?”
4These things I remember
as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go to the house of God
under the protection of the Mighty One

with shouts of joy and praise
among the festive throng.

5Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

6My soul is downcast within me;
therefore I will remember you
from the land of the Jordan,
the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.
7Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.

8By day the Lord directs his love,
at night his song is with me—
a prayer to the God of my life.

9I say to God my Rock,
“Why have you forgotten me?
Why must I go about mourning,
oppressed by the enemy?”
10My bones suffer mortal agony
as my foes taunt me,
saying to me all day long,
“Where is your God?”

11Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

Rom 5
1Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
2through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.
3And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;
4and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;

5and (wait for iiiiit...) hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Ok this is so beautiful and so encouraging that it deserves a rep I wish I could give you more but a rep is the best I can give that and how you are such a blessing to me you are like a mother to me, i have never had a good mom or dad they were always so cruel to me

 

[tourist]

I have a story about hope. I have hope because if I didnt my faith would be useless. I am not strong in faith yet, I still lack love and maturity in Christ very deeply. I stumble day in and day out in a battle that seems impossible to win, but I have hope. I have hope that even in all my weakness in faith my lack of love and everything that God is I have hope that he will make me strong.
Hope is what gets me out of bed, I feel weary inside as if my soul is worn out from being in this world. As if my time here is quickly disappearing, needing rest in Gods arms. The only thing that gets me out of bed and keeps me going is the hope that I will find God today, that I may seek him and find him that I may be enriched in his amazing love and grace.

I know I am to keep going and to be strong and have faith and I do I do all this the best I can, I just have this strange feeling in my soul that my time here is running out that I dont belong here like a dead spirit doesnt belong with the living.

Why does my soul feel so weary? Why does it seem as if my time running short? Why do I seem to long for death? I dont know, I only know it is hope that keeps me going. I will seek God to the ends of the earth and I would give up anything and everything I have and own just know him on a much deeper level.

Today, when you hear His voice, harden not your heart while it is still called today. You are very young to long for death. Yes, you should seek God in all things but there also comes a point when you have to live your life. You don't need to find God for He is with you now. Do not be so quick to give up anything and everything for the most important things that you have were given to you by the God who loves you. Listen to God closely and do what He is asking to the best of your abilities that He has given to you and only then will you will start to know Him on a more deeper level. Don't be afraid to take the first step for His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

 

[Blain]

Today, when you hear His voice, harden not your heart while it is still called today. You are very young to long for death. Yes, you should seek God in all things but there also comes a point when you have to live your life. You don't need to find God for He is with you now. Do not be so quick to give up anything and everything for the most important things that you have were given to you by the God who loves you. Listen to God closely and do what He is asking to the best of your abilities that He has given to you and only then will you will start to know Him on a more deeper level. Don't be afraid to take the first step for His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

Here is my situation- I ask God long ago to make me strong to be like him in every way and in the deepest level possible. To be deeply and richly filled with love and all of who he is knowing that the cost for receiving such a thing is great. He said yes, and for more than 6 months I have been going through intense fiery trials. I mean some very severe ones that will sometimes leave me drowned in tears at night. But I choose to trust God, I choose to believe in him and hos power. because of the severity of my trials how easily I could have given up my faith as I have to go through things no one should have to go through. But I think my love for God is what makes it where I still have unshakable faith and trust in him.

So I am weary yes, I long for death yes but I will never give up. I not quit fighting until the very end. If one thing I wish to have acomplished when I finally go home is that I truly gave it my all and didnt back down for one second

 

[peacefulbeliever]

I have a story about hope. I have hope because if I didnt my faith would be useless. I am not strong in faith yet, I still lack love and maturity in Christ very deeply. I stumble day in and day out in a battle that seems impossible to win, but I have hope. I have hope that even in all my weakness in faith my lack of love and everything that God is I have hope that he will make me strong.
Hope is what gets me out of bed, I feel weary inside as if my soul is worn out from being in this world. As if my time here is quickly disappearing, needing rest in Gods arms. The only thing that gets me out of bed and keeps me going is the hope that I will find God today, that I may seek him and find him that I may be enriched in his amazing love and grace.

I know I am to keep going and to be strong and have faith and I do I do all this the best I can, I just have this strange feeling in my soul that my time here is running out that I dont belong here like a dead spirit doesnt belong with the living.

Why does my soul feel so weary? Why does it seem as if my time running short? Why do I seem to long for death? I dont know, I only know it is hope that keeps me going. I will seek God to the ends of the earth and I would give up anything and everything I have and own just know him on a much deeper level.

I appreciate this very much and we all grow weary at times. Mainly I was talking about hope as in the resurrection - hope not in ourselves or in others but our hope in God that what he has promised regarding our eternal life and resurrection is our goal, our anchor. . . .

Titus 2:12-14 Teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Hebrews 6:18-20 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast . . . .

The hope is our anchor in this turbulent world . . . .

 

[just-me]

What is "hope"? Is "hope" just wishful thinking"?

hope - elpis - to anticipate, usually with pleasure 1) expectation of evil, fear 2) expectation of good A. in the Christian sense 1) joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation - on hope, in hope, having hope A. the author of hope or who is its foundation

If our hope is in man - then it could be just wishful thinking but with our hope toward God it is a joyful confident expectation of eternal salvation and a joyful confident expectation of eternal life. Our hope in the resurrection helps keep us looking forward to Christ's return and our life with him. It is "expectant" just as an expectant mother looks forward to the birth of her child with joy and confidence - we look forward to eternal life with Jesus Christ in joy and confidence. Our hope in the resurrection keeps the desire to be sinless within us for we will have to stand before the judgment seat of Christ and be judged for the things done in this body whether good or bad and gain rewards or loss of rewards.

What is our expectant end?

Titus 1:2 . . . In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; That is our hope - our rejoicing that we will be in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming.

Titus 2:13,14 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Titus 3:3-7 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness [for salvation] but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

1 Thess. 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. Others that have no hope sorrow greatly when they loose a loved one even to the point of severe depression or suicide - they do not have that hope within themselves of being in the resurrection from the dead -

Hebrews 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. Holding fast that confidence and rejoicing of the hope keeps our eyes focused upon Christ - when we feel like it's too much and we're ready to chunk it all - look toward that finish line - look toward that hope in the resurrection - look toward seeing Him and being as He is . . .

1 John 3:2,3 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Faith is the SUBSTANCE of things hoped for. Hebrews 11:1a AMEN SIS!! amen

 

[Angela53510]

The following is my favourite passage on hope. It is also about how suffering helps us in our walk with God. And how hope leads us to God's live. I hope it helps you have a big "aha" moment with God, like it did with me, Blain.

"3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5

 

[Blain]

The following is my favourite passage on hope. It is also about how suffering helps us in our walk with God. And how hope leads us to God's live. I hope it helps you have a big "aha" moment with God, like it did with me, Blain.

"3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5

Ty Very much I am going through a desert season, through the dry and thirsty land, its a very long one and is very hard. I had a dream a long time ago and I sometimes have prophetic dreams although I know cc isnt the best place to talk about them.

Im only telling this one because I think it is being fulfilled. In this dream I was in a scorching desert crawling weak very thirsty and very hungry. As I was crawling satan appeared and said you look hungry, here I have brought you some bread. I replied No! I dont need any food that you have to offer me, God will feed me. he disappeared and I continued crawling, later he reappeared and said you look thirsty here I have brought you some water drink and gain back your strength. I said no- you have poisoned that water God will quench my thirst with his holy water. he disappeared and I kept crawling.

Finally as I struggled to keep going I was dying of thirst and hunger and the heat was so intense and satan appears a last time and says this. You are a fool, you chose to trust in your God and yet he is letting you die in the desert. I replied with what felt like my final breath, even if he lets me die out here I will still trust and love him my life was always his to take. at that moment satan disappeared and angels came to give me water and food and I left the dessert with them.

Obviously the dream is not literal, But for a long time I have been going through a desert in my faith so spiritually hungry and thirsty, many times satan has tried to get me to quit and to not trust God. But I am holding on and will keep going keeping my hope faith and love in him and him alone

 

[psychomom]

PB, i knew you were referring to the resurrection on that Great Day...

will you forgive me for derailing you to help my friend Blain?

~ ellie

 

[Blain]

Oh dear I suppose I kind of did take the topic:0 so sorry about that

 

[Angelique]

I have a story about hope. I have hope because if I didnt my faith would be useless. I am not strong in faith yet, I still lack love and maturity in Christ very deeply. I stumble day in and day out in a battle that seems impossible to win, but I have hope. I have hope that even in all my weakness in faith my lack of love and everything that God is I have hope that he will make me strong.
Hope is what gets me out of bed, I feel weary inside as if my soul is worn out from being in this world. As if my time here is quickly disappearing, needing rest in Gods arms. The only thing that gets me out of bed and keeps me going is the hope that I will find God today, that I may seek him and find him that I may be enriched in his amazing love and grace.

I know I am to keep going and to be strong and have faith and I do I do all this the best I can, I just have this strange feeling in my soul that my time here is running out that I dont belong here like a dead spirit doesnt belong with the living.

Why does my soul feel so weary? Why does it seem as if my time running short? Why do I seem to long for death? I dont know, I only know it is hope that keeps me going. I will seek God to the ends of the earth and I would give up anything and everything I have and own just know him on a much deeper level.

That is exactly the way I feel. Im exhausted of trying day in and day out of fighting the good fight. I know im to focus on the lovely and pure but my mind is constantly replaying the pain; fear and rejection. I too have hope that some how God will help me thru but im sooooo tired spiritually of this battle. I pray you make it thru with the grace and peace of our amazing God. Bless you.

 

[peacefulbeliever]

PB, i knew you were referring to the resurrection on that Great Day...

will you forgive me for derailing you to help my friend Blain?

~ ellie

That is what threads should portray - edification and encouragement - all is OK.