“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Romans 15:13
But in a lot of ways, the common usage and understanding of the word “hope” might be represented by the symbol of a question mark. The idea being that one has a wish and desire for something to happen but the reality of it happening lies in the realm of uncertainty.
For this reason, it is noteworthy that the historical symbol of Biblical hope has been – an anchor! Hebrews 6:19 sheds light on the use of such a symbol as it says, “We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into
the inner place behind the curtain.” In this way, we come to see that Biblical hope is sure and certain.
The National Day of Prayer is May 1st and the theme verse is Romans 15:13. It is a day that not only invites and reminds us to pray but to pray in hope. Sure hope. Confident hope. For Biblical hope is grounded in God’s unchanging character, sure promises and completed work in Jesus Christ.
And so, on May 1st pray with hope. Hope that is based on the assurance that God loves us, forgives us and walks with us. Hope that is based on the assurance that Jesus has risen and our eternal salvation is complete. Hope that is based on the assurance that amid all the uncertainties of life, God is working out all things for our good.
And in this way, Biblical hope is not a question mark, it is more of a statement like a period. It is an anticipated exclamation more like an exclamation mark. Biblical hope is certainty like an anchor that is grounded securely in God’s unchanging goodness.
Praying with you to the God of hope,
Pastor Tuma