Episode Summary:
- This is the second in a four-part anniversary series of “Your Hope-Filled Perspective.”
- Specifically, today we are discussing the concept of “Hope.” What is hope, how do we get it and how do we display it? And what isn’t it?
- The Bible has two uses for the term HOPE
- One is simple but ungrounded expectation that something specific may happen—closest to English vernacular understanding.
- Second is a CONFIDENCE that something anticipated will come to pass.
- What is the difference between FAITH and HOPE?
- The Bible talks about both, and sometimes the same word is used. The concepts are very closely related.
- Best illustration: a child is told by her parents that they will be taking her to DisneyWorld soon.
- FAITH is the quiet confidence that her parents are being truthful and that the promised visit will happen.
- HOPE is the excited expectancy of the promised visit that has the child bouncing off the walls.
- FAITH is the basis for HOPE.
- What are the characteristics of HOPE?
- Forward looking
- Positive
- Expectant/anticipatory of something longed for
- Patient
- Focused on sufficiency and abundance
- ACTIVE
- HOPE is ACTIVE, it requires PREPARATION. Think of the Disney example. As the child ANTICIPATES, she will engage in various activities that illustrate this expectancy.
- In our culture and language, HOPE is understood in a very passive context—we don’t grant it much power in our lives, yet both the NT and the OT point to HOPE as crucial to our daily existence.
- HOPE is closely paralleled to FEAR
- Forward looking
- Expectant—of something dreaded
- Negative instead of positive
- Based on anxiety or worry instead of faith
- Focused on inadequacy & loss
For more on what hope is and how we find it, visit: Finding Hope
Watch on YouTube:
Quotables from the Episode:
- Hope is active.
- Our hope is grounded in the overwhelming abundance and goodness of God.
Scripture References:
- Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a future and a hope.”
- David in Psalms linked his HOPE in God with courage and strength (Psalm 31:24)
- Paul also (Romans 5:5) describes the abundance and fulfilling nature of HOPE.
Recommended Resources: (If there are affiliate links in this post, meaning, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no extra cost to you)).
- Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win
- Award-Winning Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
- Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide
- Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip
- Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
- Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
Social Media Links for Host:
For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:
Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube
Faith is the basis of HOPE! YES, thank you for sharing, both of you! This is an awesome message!! I have great confidence in the HOPE of our calling, our ministry, all the Lord has told us will happen so we operate as if it has happened because we truly live in confidence and assurance of the provision Father has told us will happen. I love how both of you explain HOPE!! I am so encouraged today from your message. I look forward to the other two parts of your Anniversary message. I have heard each one of your podcasts and my life is enriched because of the truths of God you have shared. Love and blessings to you both!
So true, and the world needs what we have. There is no substitute!