In the Bible the concept of hope does not involve a self-produced feeling of encouragement that is imaginary. Nor is it “wishful thinking” of the “hope-so” variety. A Christian’s hope is built on the solid foundation of the character of God and the Word of God. It is this term that Job used when he said of God, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust [hope] in Him” (Job 13:15).

The Hebrew word for hope used in our verse for today (below) means a long and patient waiting in spite of delay and disappointment. It is a hope that is strengthened with bright expectation; we know God is going to meet our needs and accomplish His purposes. The opposite of this hope is a feeling of fear and dread.

What is a believer’s source of hope? It is God! We have hope because God has saved us and certainly will not abandon us. We have hope because of the Spirit who lives within us and because of the Word He has given us. Jesus Christ is our hope.

The result of this is “I will… praise Thee more and more.” What an optimistic outlook on life! Instead of finding more and more things to complain about, the psalmist found more and more blessings for which to praise God!

Verse for today: “I will hope continually, and will yet praise Thee more and more” (Psalm 71:14).

Also read: Romans 5:1-2; 8:31-32; 15:4, 13; 1 Timothy 1:1; Psalms 42:11; 119:49, 81, 114; Philippians 1:20.

Action assignment: Compose a prayer of thanksgiving about your source of hope. Start by thanking God for Himself, for His gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, for His gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Bible. Then express your faith that God will meet your needs and accomplish His purposes in your life.

Warren W. Wiersbe
www.backtothebible.in