Daily Devotional
Does “Hope” Mean “Maybe”?
“For You are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust from my youth.”
Psalm 71:5
April 9, 2021
Ponder This
What does the word “hope” mean in the Bible? It doesn’t mean “maybe.” We may use it that way in modern English, but that’s not what the word “hope” means when used in Scripture.
“Hope” means certainty, but not just any certainty. When the Bible says “hope,” it means a rock-ribbed assurance with anticipation, based on the Word of God.
When I was a little boy, my dad would take us out for a ride on Sunday afternoon. We kids would be in the back seat, getting into squabbles. If things got too heated, my dad would turn around and say, “When you boys get home, I’m going to whip you.” With my dad, I knew this was a rock-ribbed truth! We could anticipate it, but not with gladness!
Our hope, however, our rock-ribbed assurance, comes with glad anticipation!
Practice This
Share the hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ with someone today. Maybe there’s someone at the hospital who needs you to speak words of hope. Maybe it’s a member of your family!
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Calling God's Name
Discover the character of God through His many names revealed in Scripture. This month-long devotional invites you to read, reflect, and respond to the meaning of God's names, renewing your mind and transforming your heart in faith.
