Hope

Romans 8:25: But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.

Elpizo is a Greek word for hope. In my lexical aid to the New Testament, the following is included in its definition: to hope; expect with desire; hope in the manner of trust; to confide; to set one's hope upon something, that is, the hope of future good fortune.

Hope is one of my favorite words. This year I found a sparkling 8 inch word "Hope" among the Christmas decorations for sale, and it is now on my dining room shelf, right under a metal version of the word "Blessings." I love words. And now they are becoming popular decor... one friend even has the word "GRACE" on her dining room wall !!

A friend gave me a HOPE ornament...just the word, in silver, on a simple ribbon. What a lovely gift.

Last year I had purchased smaller versions of a similarly styled ornament, three words: peace, joy and hope. I hung them over the nativity set this year...after all, that is what His birth made possible: peace, joy and hope.

We all need hope. And the Word promises it. It's a struggle for me to know how to hope, as so much that I have hoped for has not come about. But "hope" is not the same as "wish." Wishes can disappoint. But hope never disappoints when it is properly placed. So, my hope needs to be in God's lovingkindness (HESED). My hope truly needs to be in the Lord, not in particular circumstances.

I'm going to be more careful about how I use the word hope. I'm not going to "hope" for good weather... Hope is a word that is sacred for me...it's bigger than circumstances...

Matthew 12:21: In His name the Gentiles will hope

Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The "hope" in this Romans verse is Elpis in the Greek, defined as: desire of some good with expectation of obtaining it. The object of hope, the thing hoped for. confidence, security.

Romans 15:13 was the verse that my late mother wrote after her signature on correspondance. What a great verse it is. It covers the big three desires of every heart: hope, joy and peace. Who fills us? the God of hope. Where is joy and peace? in believing. What's the result of this believing? Abounding in hope. How can we abound? by the power of the Holy Spirit.

What a great word. This year, keep hope!