Hope is a very important word, and it must be defined and understood for what it is not and what it is.
Hope is not the emotional desire that is only slightly tied to reality. I hope I win the Lotto; I hope the Cowboys win another game. Hope is also more than a feeling of expectation or desire for a certain thing to happen.
In the Bible, hope is the firm conviction based on who God is and what God says in His word. And what He says will happen, will happen! “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." "Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:4-6 God’s word gives us Hope so that we might glorify God. But right now we might not be feeling very hopeful. Christians around the world and in America are experiencing all types of persecution for their faith.
Where is there hope when the population of New York City elects a Muslim, Jew hating, democratic socialist-aka Marxist, who has never had a significant job in government or leadership and management to become the mayor? And this in the city that has the largest population of Jews in America, many of whom voted for this person. (Reminds me of the truth that the acidic H.L. Mencken, a reporter of the Scopes Monkey Trial said, “Nobody ever lost a bet when they bet on the stupidity of the American People.”) But there is reason for hope, even if New York City looks to engage in societal and municipal suicide. All of creation is experiencing now what the Bible calls “groaning,” but we still have hope. “For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body."
"For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.” (Romans 8:22-25) Perhaps this is what Martin Luther King, Jr. had in mind concerning the infinite hope. I know that is what the apostle Paul had in mind.
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 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.” (Romans 5:1-5) We are groaning in this present world to glory in the world of the future. And that is not simply “a hope.” It is the HOPE based on the word of God. Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13) Serving Him with you
Until He comes for us, Fred | 
