Questions About Hope in God

Losing my mother really shook my world. We were very close, like best friends, and I felt very lost. Who else was going to be there for me as only a mother could?

One of the first feelings of loss for me was missing her presence and knowing I would not see her again this side of heaven.

Hopelessness can set in and cause feelings of depression, anger, and pain. Where do we find hope? The questions of this study will help address this.

• How does the Bible define hope?
• Why is hope in God important?
• How is God a source of hope?
• What does God teach us about hope?
• What is the spiritual value of hope?
• How to find hope in God?

How does the Bible define hope?

Hebrew 6:19 NIV “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,”

“The biblical definition of hope is “the sure and confident expectation of receiving what God has promised us in the future.” The believer’s hope is not a faint or obscure wish but “an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” (Hebrews 6:19). In Scripture, hope is a virtuous quality because it contains no doubt, always trusting in God’s faithfulness and presence no matter the circumstances, whether good or bad (Psalm 71:5).” Got Questions.org

Why is hope in God important?

A Healthy Heart

Proverbs 13:12 NIV “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.“

This is the first thing I think about lack of hope. If you’ve ever experienced hopelessness, you know it’s not a pleasant moment.

In this verse, it defines it well. When hope has been loss, your heart does become sick. Interest in life can wan if it gets out of hand.

When you are full of hope, your heart feels light and joyous. You’re ready to step forward in life.

Security

Job 11:18 NIV “You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.“

When you have hope, you feel more secure. With hope in God, you not only feel that way but you truly are secure knowing God is there for you now and forever.

Unfailing Love and Redemption

Psalm 130:7 NIV “Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.“

This originally was written to Israel but is applicable to Christians too. God’s unfailing love and redemption is there for we who put our hope in God.

How is God a source of hope?

God Cannot Lie

Hebrews 6:18 NIV “God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.”

God is perfect in His character, therefore, He cannot lie. Because of this, we can be greatly encouraged in our hope. We can have confidence in His promises.

God is Unchanging

Hebrews 13:8 NIV “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

God is not like us. We change with the wind. He doesn’t change His mind.

God is Faithful

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 NIV “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”

These days, faithfulness is not always a trait of people. But God is and through the scripture, He has always been faithful as is witnessed by those in the Bible.

When we think of God, perfection is His calling card. So, if that’s true, every facet of His character is perfect. That’s why we can trust what He says and does.

What does God teach us about hope?

Romans 8:24-25 NIV “For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”

When we accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior, it gave us hope that we could have fellowship with God both now and in eternity. We are not in eternity yet, that’s where hope comes in. It’s what we are looking for and desiring. But in that hope, we have to wait patiently. That hope gives us life.

What is the spiritual value of hope?

2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

Colossians 3:1-2 NIV “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

In 2 Corinthians 4:18, it’s about hope. (Romans 8:24-25 NIV above) Colossians 3:1-2 explains what is temporary and eternal. Our hearts should be centered on heavenly things where Christ is and not have an earthly focus.

When we depend on Jesus Christ in our lives, He helps us keep our focus on Him. Without that dependence, our attention will falter.

How to find hope in God?

1 Peter 1:3 NIV “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

Colossians 1:27 NIV “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

We have a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. That’s the way to hope in God. Accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior is the answer.

In Colossians 1:27 NIV, Christ in you is the hope of glory. The more you trust Him, the more hope you will have.

Conclusion

There are many trials in life which can cause a feeling of hopelessness. The first step is to go to God in prayer and ask His help.

You don’t have to accept the hopelessness, just remember where your trust is. He is more than strong enough to encourage you and change the negative feelings.