What is hope and why is it so powerful?

Hope to me is an essential part of the Christian journey, and as I have understood more of the power of hope in Jesus, I have felt compelled to tell others. I’ve been through different struggles in life; there was a time when my finances dried up, and out of the blue a sum of money appeared in my account. Jesus provided for my financial needs. Then there was the passing of my husband. I felt lonely, lost, anxious and so overwhelmed with everything. Jesus was there for me and gave me the comfort I needed.

These experiences have taught me to exercise hope in Jesus and not to try and solve problems on my own, because I just can’t. It isn’t worth it, because without him as my anchor of hope I can do nothing. I use prayer and God’s Bible promises as my weapons to fight for hope and I want to encourage others to do so too.

What is hope? According to Wikipedia, “Hope is an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one’s life or the world at large.” 

Hebrews 11:1 says, ‘Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.’

Hebrews 11:1 says, ‘Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.’

Romans 5:3-4 says, ‘Not only so, but we also glory in the sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.’

And finally, Bible teacher Joyce Meyer is quoted as saying, ‘Hope is favourable and confident expectation; it’s an expectant attitude that something good is going to happen and things will work out, no matter what situation we’re facing.’

From the dictionary definition, the Bible verses and quote, it is clear that hope is something that is very positive.

From the dictionary definition, the Bible verses and quote, it is clear that hope is something that is very positive. Today many people are looking for hope in this world, but can’t find it because they are searching in the wrong places.

Jesus brought us hope when he came to this earth to die for us and save us from sin. He did this because of his amazing love for us. We can all receive this hope if we believe in and develop a relationship with him.

But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love. Psalms 33:18

Hope is a way of thinking. It can break us or make us, depending on the state of our minds. But, with Jesus in our lives the true source of hope, we are better able to deal with the struggles and difficulties we encounter.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Many of us when we know that we have a short time left to live, create a bucket list of things we want to achieve before that day comes. This gives us hope and takes our minds off the challenges we are going through. As simple as it is, just ticking something off on a bucket list does a world of good for our state of well-being. It gives us a reason to keep going.

When we lose hope in life, we can lose interest in so may things and begin to fall by the wayside. When we look at a person with hope and compare with someone with no hope at all, there is a marked difference. Having hope is important and very powerful because it can have such a positive effect on our mental health and well-being. It enables us to be able to deal in a better way with the daily stresses of life.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

 Why is hope so powerful? Hope is a powerful protector and can steer us away from negative feelings and thoughts, when we are dealing with difficult situations. It can give us comfort and encouragement.

Hope is powerful because it: helps us to keep on preserving despite our circumstances. It helps us to take another step even when we can’t go any further. Hope brightens every dark path we travel on, it changes lives for the better and builds a path to success. Hope unlocks the box that nothing else can open, it says “I can get through this”. Hope empowers us to keep on going when it comes from Jesus, the true source.

There is power in the gift of the Holy Spirit. Let us invite him into our hearts today. And may that time come when we recognise that we don’t have to face all our adversities alone, because Jesus is with us in everything. Knowing this will not only bring peace, but will keep hope burning inside of us.

Listen to the Woman Alive podcast on Hope in Difficult Seasons. Part one here and part two here.