The term ‘hope’ carries the concept of a desire for something not yet realized, something good we want to happen in the future.

The term however has changed its meaning over the past few centuries. Currently, when we say, “It’s been raining every day, but I sure hope it won’t rain tomorrow and ruin the backyard birthday party,” we are expressing a strong wish—a desire for something in the future over which we have no control or influence. It may happen or it may not. The current, popular, use of the term ‘hope’ simply expresses a strong desire, it is based on wishful thinking.

A BIBLICAL HOPE

The original word “hope” as used in the Bible, and listed as “archaic” in the dictionary, carries the meaning not just of strong desire, but also of a guaranteed positive outcome. “I hope my wife and I will remain married for the rest of our lives.” This statement shows the desire, as well as the confident expectation that it will happen. It is based not just on our desire, but also on our moral wills which are under our control, and on God’s will as expressed in His Word. In this sense ‘hope’ has much in common with ‘faith’ in God. Psalm 42:5 crystalizes this as David tells himself, “Hope in God, I will yet praise Him.”

The way I personally use the term ‘hope’ is synonymous with Confident Expectation.

In my statement about my marriage, therefore, the term “hope” could be replaced as follows, “I confidently expect that my wife and I will remain married for the rest of our lives.”

The way I personally use the term ‘hope’ is synonymous with Confident Expectation.