HOPE AS A HABIT

“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the FULL ASSURANCE of HOPE UNTIL THE END” – Hebrews 6:11

God’s children are called to diligently cultivate HOPE as a HABIT: “And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the FULL ASSURANCE of HOPE UNTIL THE END, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Heb.6: 11-12). True HOPE is a spiritual Habit! It is more than wishful thinking. For Believers in Christ, Hope infers an assurance and confidence that God’s promises will be realised. Hope is more than an emotion: “I’m feeling hopeful.” Faith is defined in terms of Hope: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for.” Without Hope, there is nothing for Faith to substantiate. Faith has no basis without Hope.

Biblical Hope is a spiritual discipline that entails consistency, patience, and practice. A Habit is a regular behaviour or tendency that has effectively become part of a lifestyle; hence, Hope is intricately connected to Patience. In today’s world of instant gratification, patience is tough to practice, and it often runs against the tide of culture. But with Hope comes strength to endure until the end. Even when the world seems to be crashing down around us, the Power of Hope flies in the face of trials, affirming that: “The world can throw its worst at me. Still, I will hope, knowing that all things work together for my good because I love the Lord and I am His called according to His purpose (Rom.8:28).

In Hope lies the power of the human soul to turn to God and live in expectation that His promises will come true: “Be strong and take heart, all you who HOPE in the LORD” (Psa.31:24). Hope is the confident expectation that though the circumstances of life may suggest otherwise, God’s good purposes for the world and for us will come to fruition. Hope is the divine pedestal for a powerful Life of Praise: “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your HOPE in GOD, for I will yet PRAISE HIM, my Savior and my God” (Psa. 42:5).

Secular media suggest that woe overwhelms our world, misery rules our days, and disappointment is the likely conclusion to our dreams. But Hope declares confidence in God who accomplishes His purposes. Though we may not see it now – which is what makes it Hope – we are assured to ultimately experience Victory in Christ. The Habit of Hope is one key to overcoming life’s challenges – Hope that Jesus loves us; that He is working out a solution for us; and that the future we place in His hands will be better than the present we hold in our own: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a HOPE” (Jer. 29:11).