Day 16: Hope

Hope is a positive emotion. But, if we stop there, we miss so much opportunity to leverage another of God's gifts to us. Unlike Joy and Grief, Hope is an anticipatory emotion (like fear) and actually arises from different neural systems than reactive emotions. Instead of being a reaction, it is a response to a reasoned expectation…a choice. As an intellectual, I find that interesting. But, more interesting is the fact that many psychologists argue hope is first a cognitive and behavioral process… and, this cognitive state spawns the positive emotion. The implication is significant. Their theory is that instead of being a passive dreamer, a hopeful person is active in their pursuit of those things they value. Their hopeful state inspires them to seek more diligently and fight more resolutely for their dreams. Their positive emotions actually precede the evidence of positive results. This is an active discussion in modern psychology. But, can we find any support in scripture?

In English translations, “hope” occurs over 100 times in the Old Testament. There are several different Hebrew words used and broadly varied context. Collectively, there is a clear theme twisting together hope, trust, and waiting on God. There is also an overwhelming focus on a worldly timeframe (saved from struggle, sickness, shame). The New Testament uses one Greek word (in verb form and noun form). There are parallels to the Old Testament themes. However, a host of new ideas come into focus. We hope for salvation (1 Thess 5:8); God's glory (Rom 5:2; Col 1:27); resurrection (Acts 23:6; 24:15; 1 Thess 4:13); the redemption of our bodies (Rom 8:23); righteousness (Gal 5:5); eternal life (Titus 1:2 ; 3:7); the glorious appearing of Jesus (Titus 2:13); and that we shall become like him when he does appear (1 John 3:2-3). There's a new emphasis on eternity, beyond just our future in this life. God's promises and already-granted spiritual blessings certainly give us a lot to look forward to. But, does it fuel our pursuit of righteousness (action), as the latest reasoning in psychology suggests it should?

Heb 10:21: and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in the assurance that faith brings, because we have had our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. 23 And let us hold unwaveringly to the hope that we confess, for the one who made the promise is trustworthy. 24 And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works, (NET)

In verse 23 we are reminded that God honors His words and will be true to His promise. This is referring back to verse 17...the promise to forgive us our sins and remember them no more.

Heb 10:17: then he says, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no longer.” 18 Now where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin. (NET)

We have faith in His promise of forgiven sins. But, what then is it we’re hoping for? ...and, what is a reasonable action on our part? I believe our hope is that we are welcome to draw near to Almighty God (vs 22). James 4:8 echoes this and encourages us to “cleanse our hands” and “purify our hearts.” What is a reasonable action with such hope? Perhaps, “spur one another on to love and good works.”

How much of your daily activity is motivated by hopeful expectation?

Hope is a powerful force, an essential resource, and a staple in the Christian life. It is the fuel that keeps us moving forward. In any context, one does not hope for what one already has…safety, a rewarding career, or a supportive family. Hope implies we have a longing, a need, something outside of our present control or yet to come to fruition. It is the shining possibilities outside our present reach. In Christ, we have every spiritual blessing. And yet, the Bible still tells us to hold tightly to our hope (Heb 10:23).

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