The Christian Definition of “Hope”

Jan Smith

There are actually two common usages of the word “hope”. One is used in reference to worldly things and worldly situations. The second usage, which is not the same as the first one, is used in reference to spiritual matters. So it’s important to know the difference.

Here’s an example of hope as most people use the term.

Our daughter got married in July, 2007, in Fairbanks, Alaska. The wedding took place in the front yard of the groom’s uncle. It was a beautiful ourdoor setting, and the flowers in Alasks are magnificant at that time of year. After all, it never gets dark in July.

Although they don’t have darkness in Fairbanks in July, the do have rain. And wouldn’t you know, on the day of the wedding, billowing cumulus clouds were looming in the sky. As we busied ourselves with the details of getting everything ready, we would frequently check the sky and say to one another, “I sure hope those clouds hold off. I hope it doesn’t rain!”

We said those words because there was a very real possibility that all our plans and decorations could very quickly be washed away. We had no assurance of a rain-free ceremony. It might rain, but we hoped it would not.

That’s an example of “hope” as used in the affairs of the world. Christian hope is different.

22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,

his mercies never come to an end;

23 they are new every morning;

great is thy faithfulness.

24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,

“therefore I will hope in him.”
(Lamentations 3:22-24)

Did you see the word “hope” in verse 24? The prophet Jeremiah is saying he’s putting all his eggs in the “God” basket. He has no “plan B”.

The best definition I’ve found for Christian hope goes something like this: “Christian hope is the absolute assurance welling up in the heart of the Christian that God is in complete control, and that He will do what He has promised to do, according to His schedule and by whatever means He chooses”.

So when the Bible says something like this:

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)

What that means is: you can believe it! It’s an absolute certainty. It’s a done deal. You have God’s Word on it.

Oh, by the way: the weather held out beautifully for our daughter’s wedding. The clouds moved on, and we were blessed with a magnificent evening.