Holding On To Hope: Part 4 The Rewards of Hope
Throughout our journey in this series, we've explored what biblical hope truly is, how faith serves as its foundation, and why hope plays an essential role in the believer's life. Today, we'll examine the specific rewards and blessings that come from maintaining biblical hope in every season of life. These aren't just spiritual concepts but practical benefits that transform our everyday experience.
Hope's Abundant Rewards
The Bible consistently reveals that hope produces tangible rewards in the believer's life. These aren't merely incidental benefits; they're intentional blessings God provides to those who place their hope in Him. Let's explore these rewards in depth.
Joy and Peace Through Hope
Romans 15:13 tells us: "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
This powerful scripture reveals several important truths about the relationship between hope and emotional wellbeing:
God is the source of hope: Notice that Paul refers to the "God of hope." Hope isn't something we manufacture through positive thinking; it flows from our relationship with the God who embodies hope. We connect to an inexhaustible supply when our hope is anchored in God's character and promises.
Joy is a direct product of hope: The joy mentioned here isn't mere happiness based on favorable circumstances. It's a deep-seated gladness that persists regardless of external conditions. This joy springs from the confident expectation that God is working everything together for our good according to His promises.
Peace accompanies true hope: The peace described here is not the absence of conflict but the presence of assurance. It's the settled confidence that God is in control, His promises are sure, and His purposes will prevail. This peace literally "passes understanding" (Philippians 4:7) because it defies logical explanations in the face of challenging circumstances.
Hope, joy, and peace operate in a positive cycle: As we exercise hope, joy and peace increase. As joy and peace grow, our capacity for hope expands. The verse speaks of "abounding" in hope—not just having a little hope, but overflowing with it through the Holy Spirit's power.
This process is supernatural: The final phrase "by the power of the Holy Spirit" reminds us that biblical hope isn't produced through human effort or optimism. It's a supernatural quality generated by the Spirit of God working within us.
Consider this practical example: When facing financial pressure, worldly thinking produces anxiety and fear. But biblical hope produces joy in knowing God is your provider and peace in trusting His timing and methods. This emotional stability then strengthens your hope further, creating an upward spiral of increasing hope, joy, and peace rather than a downward spiral without hope, of fear and frustration.
Protection Through Hope
Psalm 33:18-19 reveals another vital reward of hope: "Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine."
This passage shows us that hope activates God's protective care in several specific ways:
Divine attention and watchfulness: The phrase "the eye of the LORD is upon them" indicates God's focused attention and care. We position ourselves under His watchful protection when we hope in God's mercy. This isn't just passive observation but active oversight of every detail of our lives.
Deliverance from death: This encompasses more than just physical death—it includes deliverance from spiritual death, emotional death, relational death, and the death of dreams and visions.
Supernatural provision in times of lack: The promise to "keep them alive in famine" speaks to God's ability to sustain us even when natural resources are depleted. Hope connects us to supernatural provision that operates independently of natural circumstances or economic conditions.
Ongoing sustenance: The verb "keep" indicates continuous action. This isn't a one-time rescue but ongoing sustenance through prolonged difficulty. Hope taps into God's sustained protection and provision.
Mercy-based protection: Note that this protection is specifically for those who "hope in his mercy." Our hope isn't based on our performance or worthiness but on God's compassion and kindness toward us.
Consider the example of David, who repeatedly faced life-threatening situations yet maintained his hope in God's protective care. In Psalm 3:5-6, he writes, "I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about." David's hope in God's protection allowed him to sleep peacefully even while being surrounded by enemies.
Strength, Courage, and Boldness Through Hope
Psalm 31:24 declares: "Be strong, and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the LORD."
This verse directly connects hope with five vital qualities needed for victorious Christian living:
Inner strength when we feel weak: The command to "be strong" isn't about mustering our own strength but about receiving the strength that flows from our hope in the Lord. When our physical, emotional, or spiritual resources are depleted, hope taps into God's inexhaustible strength.
Heart-level courage: Notice that courage is mentioned specifically in relation to the heart—our emotional and spiritual center. Hope produces courage that goes beyond our thoughts and affects our deepest being. This creates a courage that persists even when our emotions would normally pull us toward fear.
Boldness to face intimidating situations: Biblical hope confronts intimidation with confident expectation. It enables us to stand firm when circumstances, people, or spiritual forces attempt to overwhelm us with fear.
Decisiveness in action: True courage manifests in decisive action rather than paralysis. Hope gives us the ability to move forward even when the path ahead seems uncertain or difficult.
Resilience through adversity: The strength and courage produced by hope aren't momentary feelings but sustainable qualities that endure through extended challenges.
Consider Joshua, who faced the enormous task of leading Israel after Moses' death. God repeatedly told him to "be strong and courageous" (Joshua 1:6-9). This courage wasn't based on Joshua's military experience or leadership skills but on his hope in God's promises: "Not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed" (Joshua 23:14).
Stability and Security Through Hope
Hebrews 6:19 provides a powerful metaphor for hope: "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters into that within the veil."
This nautical metaphor reveals the stabilizing power of hope:
Anchor for the soul: Just as a ship's anchor prevents drifting during storms, hope anchors our souls (mind, will, and emotions) when life's storms threaten to carry us away. This stability affects our thoughts, decisions, and feelings.
Sure and steadfast: These words emphasize reliability and immovability. Biblical hope isn't flimsy or uncertain—it's dependable because it's anchored in God's unchanging nature and promises.
Connected to the unseen realm: The phrase "enters into that within the veil" refers to the Holy of Holies—God's very presence. Our hope is not anchored to shifting earthly circumstances but to the immovable reality of God's throne.
Protection against drifting: An anchor prevents not just violent movement but subtle drifting. Hope keeps us from gradually moving away from God's purposes through the influence of culture, circumstances, or our own weaknesses.
Steadiness in storms: Storms not only threaten to sink a ship but create disorientation. Hope provides orientation and direction when circumstances would otherwise confuse and disorient us.
Consider Noah, who built the ark for 120 years based on his hope in God's word about things not yet seen (Hebrews 11:7). While the world continued in its normal patterns, Noah maintained stability through his hope in God's promise, eventually experiencing vindication and deliverance.
Healing and Restoration Through Hope
Jeremiah 17:7-8 uses a powerful metaphor to describe those who hope in the Lord: "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."
This passage reveals how hope contributes to healing and restoration:
Access to hidden resources: The tree thrives because its roots reach water sources invisible from the surface. Hope connects us to spiritual resources that aren't apparent to natural perception.
Resilience in harsh conditions: When "heat comes" (representing trials and challenges), the tree doesn't wither because its source isn't dependent on surface conditions. Hope enables us to thrive even in difficult external circumstances.
Ongoing fruitfulness: Even "in the year of drought," the tree continues bearing fruit. Hope enables continued productivity and effectiveness when others are experiencing barrenness.
Freedom from anxiety: The tree "is not anxious" because its needs are consistently met through its connection to the water source. Hope eliminates anxiety by connecting us to God's unfailing provision.
Continuous renewal: The leaves "remain green," indicating health and vitality. Hope facilitates ongoing renewal and freshness rather than staleness or stagnation.
Consider the example of Joseph, who maintained hope through years of unjust imprisonment. This hope enabled him to survive and thrive and serve effectively even in prison, eventually leading to complete restoration and elevation beyond what he could have imagined.
Practical Steps to Experience Hope's Rewards
To fully experience these rewards, we must actively cultivate and protect our hope:
1. Saturate yourself in promises that address your specific needs
The Word of God is filled with promises for every situation. Take time to identify Scriptures that specifically address your current challenges:
For financial concerns: Philippians 4:19, Malachi 3:10
For health challenges: Psalm 103:3, Exodus 15:26
For guidance: Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalm 32:8
For emotional healing: Psalm 34:18, Isaiah 61:1-3
For relational restoration: 2 Corinthians 5:18, Romans 12:18
Write these promises down, speak them aloud, and meditate on them until they become more real to you than your circumstances.
2. Intentionally recall past faithfulness
Psalm 77:11 instructs: "I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old."
Keep a "testimony journal" to record specific instances of God's faithfulness in your life. When hope seems to waver, review these testimonies as concrete evidence of God's trustworthiness.
3. Surround yourself with hope-filled influences
Hope is contagious—but so is despair. Be intentional about:
The people you spend time with: Choose friends who strengthen your hope rather than reinforce doubt and negativity.
The media you consume: Select books, music, and teaching that builds your expectation rather than feeding fear.
The conversations you engage in: Steer discussions toward faith and possibility rather than problems and limitations.
4. Practice hope-filled declarations
What you consistently say shapes what you consistently believe. Create personalized declarations based on Scripture that express confident expectation for your specific situation:
"God is working all things together for my good according to Romans 8:28."
"My current challenges are producing endurance, character, and hope according to Romans 5:3-5."
"What God has promised, He is also able to perform according to Romans 4:21."
Speak these declarations daily, especially when facing doubt or discouragement.
5. Take hope-inspired actions
James 2:17 reminds us that "faith without works is dead." The same principle applies to hope. Identify and take specific actions that align with what you're hoping for:
If hoping for financial breakthrough, implement wise stewardship practices now.
If hoping for physical healing, care for your body as the temple of the Holy Spirit.
If hoping for relational restoration, take steps toward forgiveness and reconciliation.
If hoping for ministry opportunity, prepare yourself through study and service.
These actions reinforce your hope and position you to receive its fulfillment.
Conclusion
The rewards of biblical hope are not distant ideals but practical, experiential realities available to every believer. Joy, peace, protection, strength, courage, endurance, stability, and restoration all flow from maintaining hope in God's promises.
As you face life's challenges, remember that hope isn't optional for the believer—it's essential for experiencing the fullness of what God has provided. The rewards of hope are not just "nice to have" but necessary components of victorious Christian living.
Through hope, we don't just survive difficulties—we thrive in the midst of them, displaying God's faithfulness to a watching world. As Romans 5:5 assures us, "And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
Join us for Part 5, our final installment in the "Holding On to Hope" series, where we'll explore practical strategies for maintaining hope through every season of life.