In the English language, “hope” is a fuzzy word. It describes a wish or desire that something will happen or turn out a certain way. We might hope it doesn’t rain tomorrow, but tomorrow brings a downpour. In our language, hope has no guarantees. In Scripture, “hope” is different.

Psalm 31:24
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.

In God’s Word, “hope” designates a certainty, a definite. It pronounces a trust that what has been promised will come to pass. As believers, we have an eternal hope. That doesn’t mean we are optimistic that if everything works out well, we might spend eternity in heaven. The believer’s hope is a certain confidence that is based on the work of Jesus; our eternity is with the Lord.

All who have the certain confidence that God loves you, that he sent his Son to pay the penalty of your sin, that the work of Jesus on the cross places you in a relationship with God, and the Holy Spirit lives within you to give you the strength needed to do what God has called you to do . . . should demonstrate this confidence to the world. Be strong and take heart!

Father, thank you for the certainty of your person, presence, and power in my life. Help me demonstrate to a watching world that my sure confidence is in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.