Developing Christlike Attributes: Hope

What is Hope? Most often, when I would think about what Hope is and what it consists of, I would describe it as a passive feeling associated with doubt and unrest. Most of the time, my Hopes were something I would like to happen, but most surely knew would not come to pass. This is the attitude I had most of my life toward Hope. Until I learned what the word really means.

Hope is more than just a wish, it's a trust. Hope is the abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill his promises. Hope is shown through confidence, enthusiasm, optimism, and perseverance. Hope is not only believing, but is also expecting that something will occur.  When you have Hope, you work through trials and struggles and difficulties with confidence and assurance that all things will work together for your good. Hope helps conquer discouragement.

It is not easy to have Hope in this difficult and scary world we live in. It seems as though times are leading us on a downhill course toward destruction. The basic fundamental principles of God or being lost in our society, but we don't have to let the turmoil in the world bring us down in the gulf of misery. As believers and followers of Jesus Christ we can stand with a firm Hope, knowing that all things will work together for our good. He is still the God of the earth and he is mindful of his followers. As long as we do as He asks us and remain steadfast and immovable in our belief in Him and his Gospel, we can have the Hope for a better world.  "Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God." (Ether 12:4) Never give up Hope, with God all things are possible.

A modern day apostle, James E. Faust taught:

"Hope is the anchor of our souls... Hope is trust in God's Promises, faith that if we act now, the desired blessings will be fulfilled in the future... The unfailing source of our Hope is that we are sons and daughters of God and that His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, saved us from death" ("Hope, an Anchor of the Soul," Ensign, Nov. 1999, 59-60)  

The scriptures often describe Hope in Jesus Christ as the assurance that you will inherit eternal life in the kingdom of God. " For we are saved by Hope...." (Romans 8:24-25)

Hope now, as we understand it, is in no way encompassed by doubt or fear, but by faith. Just as faith leads us to act it is the same with Hope. Hope is to expect not merely to wish. Let us continue on in the faith and Hope of our Savior Jesus Christ. Knowing will assurance that His promises will be fulfilled, and that we can through Him inherit the Kingdom of God.

Additional Scriptures

2 Nephi 31:20    Alma 58:10-11

Ether 12:32        Moroni 7:40-48

D&C 59:23        D&C 138:14

Heb. 6:10-20     Topical Guide, "Hope"

Taken From Preach My Gospel