‘Then you will know that I am Yehovah; those who hope in me will not be disappointed’ Isaiah 49:23 (NIV)
When asked for a scripture about hope, most people recite this verse: ‘Hope deferred makes the heart sick’ – but they rarely complete the verse! As a result, many people feel that hope is an unlikely expectation that will only result in pain and disappointment. There seems to be an unwritten proverb among believers, which is, ‘If you do not hope too much, you will not be disappointed’. However, the meaning of this verse, and the gift of hope within it has been lost. The verse continues, ‘but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life’ (Proverbs 13:12). It actually shows that there are two outcomes – the delay of hope which can cause bitterness and disappointment, or the journey of hope, which can produce the tree of life once the hope has been processed and fulfilled! Hope needs commitment to the journey. The dreams and desires will have an outcome, but first you need to walk the journey of delay. Remember the other scriptures which promise that hope is secure, and does not disappoint. Winston Churchill once said, ‘The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty’. Have an attitude that looks at every opportunity with hope; remain expectant that Yehovah will come through for you, and give you the best! If you have become cynical, ask Yehovah to come and enable you to trust and to dream again. Despite seasons of betrayal and sorrow, allow hope to rise up again. Gain Yehovah’s perspective, and let Him heal your pain. Ask Him to teach you that He is Yehovah; that He is good, and that His hope will not disappoint you!