How do you define hope?

Is it a nervous expectancy of something that may or may not go in your favor?

Is it a wish that you just really, really want to come true?

Or is it a definite, grounded in a firm faith that will come to pass?

I am willing to bet that we’ve had all of these “hopeful” feelings or thoughts. The thing about hope is that it’s not real if it’s not certain confidence.

Because, the Bible defines hope as “the sure and confident expectation of receiving what God has promised us in the future.”

This is a hope that does not disappoint or fade. It is a hope that should be expected and longed for.

So, how does the hope of Jesus change a believer’s life?

The Hope of Jesus

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,  who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” – 1 Peter 1:3-5 NIV

In his first letter to believers scattered abroad, Peter reminds those under persecution in his present day (who probably hoped that they would be free from oppression very soon), and reminds us today, that Jesus’ hope is something we can put our trust in! He gives them 4 ways that God’s hope is not like the world’s hope.

1. God’s Hope is Attainable

God’s hope is not elusive or wishful thinking. It is a “new birth” through His great mercy. Anyone who puts their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord of their life is given this new hope.

Romans 8:24-25 states, “For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”

We are saved for the hope of eternity. For a life beyond the pain, suffering, and evils of this world. And, it is offered to all who will fall on the mercies of Christ.

Salvation is a free gift of God to all who confess their sins and place their faith and trust in Jesus alone. This is the very start of a true hope!

2. God’s Hope is Alive

Peter says this hope we have at salvation is a “living hope.” Christ died for our sins, yes! But, He conquered death and lives as King in heaven.

Jesus promised that he would go and prepare a place for us so that where He is, we can be too. This is a hope not in a place, but in a person. Jesus is there, waiting on us. He is alive! (John 14:2-3)

Living as a Citizen of Heaven

3. God’s Hope is Assured

This inheritance “can never perish, spoil, or fade “and is “kept in heaven for you.” What a promise!

God’s hope is something that is eternal. It is the life after mortal death that assures we will dwell with Him forever in heaven.

Charles Spurgeon said in his sermon, The Hope Laid Up in Heaven:

” If your hope is laid up in heaven it must be perfectly safe. If your hope lies in the bank, it may break: if it lies in an empire, it may melt away; if it lies in an estate, the title-deeds may be questioned; if it lies in any human creature, death may bereave you; if it lies in yourself, it is deceitful altogether: but if your hope is laid up in heaven, how secure it is. Be glad, and bless the Lord.”

What the Bible Says about Confidence

4. God’s Hope is Active

Finally, God’s hope is an active hope. It’s not something meant to be sat on and hidden or deposited in a secure place only to take out like a golden ticket at the end. No, it’s meant to be lived and shared.

In the verses following, Peter goes on to explain that this hope is what allows us to rejoice and persevere in suffering. (v.6-9) It is also the hope that was testified and lived by the prophets and saints before us. (v.10-12).

In verses 13-16, Peter concludes, “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.  As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.  But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;  for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

In other words, our hope is in the grace that will be revealed in Christ at the end time, yes, but we are called to live alert, obedient, and holy lives. This is not passive. This is actively studying the scriptures to have wisdom to walk in God’s ways and to push back the evil around us.

Holy living should set us apart so that we can “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV)

Reflecting on God’s Hope

When we understand God’s hope, our perspective changes.

Instead of saying: “I hope things get better.” We can confidently say:

• “God is with me.”
• “God is alive and actively working.”
• “God keeps His promises.”
• “My future is secure in Christ.”

Biblical hope does not deny suffering or current unpleasant situations. It gives us security in the middle of living in a fallen world to know where our hope lies.

The World’s Hope	God’s Hope
Based on circumstances	Based on God’s character (Hebrews 13:8)
Wishful thinking	Confident expectation (Philippians 1:6)
Changes with emotions	Remains steady (Lamentations 3:22-23)
Depends on people	Depends on Christ (Ephesians 2:8-10)
Temporary	Eternal (1 John 5:13-14)
Easily disappointed	Never disappoints (Romans 5:5)
Dies with earthly dreams	Lives because Christ lives (1 Peter 1:3)
Focused on today	Focused on eternity (Colossians 1:5)
Gives up in suffering	Rejoices in suffering (Romans 12:12)

Reflection and Prayer :

Reflection Question:
What does it mean to you that hope is not something you have to earn or create, but something God has given you through Jesus Christ? How does this change the way you face discouragement?

Prayer Prompt:
Thank God for the gift of salvation and the living hope He has freely given you through Christ. Ask Him to help you receive and rest in that hope instead of striving to find hope in your own strength or circumstances.

Reflection Question:
Where has your attention drifted from Christ’s promises to your present circumstances? What practical step can you take today to intentionally set your hope on God’s grace?

Prayer Prompt:
Ask God to renew your mind and help you actively fix your hope on Christ each day. Pray for strength to trust His promises, obey His Word, and persevere faithfully while you wait.

Reflection Question:
How does knowing that Jesus is alive give you confidence for the challenges you are facing today? In what area of your life do you need to remember that your hope is living, not fading?

Prayer Prompt:
Praise Jesus for His resurrection and the living hope it provides. Ask Him to breathe fresh courage into your heart and remind you that because He lives, His promises remain alive and trustworthy.

Reflection Question:
How does the promise of an eternal inheritance guarded by God change your perspective on present trials, losses, or uncertainties?

Prayer Prompt:
Thank God that your future is secure in Christ. Pray for confidence to trust His faithful protection, even when life feels uncertain, and ask Him to help you live today with your eyes fixed on the eternal hope He has promised.

Pursuing Holiness: Christian Journal Prompts for Women

Summary Truth

Biblical hope is:

• Attainable because God gives it through the new birth (1 Pet. 1:3).
• Alive because it is grounded in the risen Savior (1 Pet.1:3).
• Assured because our eternal inheritance is secure and guarded by God’s power (1 Pet. 1:4–5).
• Active because we are called to intentionally set our hope on Christ (1 Pet. 1:13).