The Power of Hope: Why It’s More Than Just Wishing
Understanding the Difference Between Hope and Wishing
Have you ever confused hope with a wish? A lot of people do, and it’s easy to see why. Both involve wanting something good, but they’re not the same thing. Hope is rooted in the belief that something positive will happen, especially when it’s grounded in faith. Wishing, on the other hand, often comes from a place of doubt, like desiring something unlikely, such as winning the lottery.
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Notice that the verse above uses the word “hope”—not “wish.” Hope carries the weight of faith and expectation. It’s not just longing for something; it’s believing that it’s coming.
When Hope Feels Hard to Hold Onto
Let’s be honest, life has a way of testing our hope. We may start out hopeful in a rocky relationship, holding on with faith that things will get better. But when things don’t improve right away, hope can start to slip and morph into a faint wish for change.
Hope is easy when the skies are clear. It’s when the storm rolls in that hope becomes a lifeline we desperately need to cling to.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Biblical Hope Is Certain, Not Wishful Thinking
In the Bible, hope isn’t wishy-washy or uncertain. It’s a confident expectation rooted in God’s promises.
Psalm 71:5 (NIV)
“For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth.”
This verse is so comforting. It reminds us to evaluate where our hope lies. Is it in our own strength? In another person? Or is it in the unshakable foundation of God?
Hope Anchored in Faith
I’ll admit, there are plenty of things I’ve simply “wished” for. I wish I were more organized. I wish I could keep a spotless house. But deep down, I know those wishes may never come true. Hope, however, is different.
I have hope for my future. I have hope for healing. I have hope for forgiveness. And I have hope for a home in Heaven.
Jeremiah 17:7–8 (NIV)
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
That’s the kind of hope I want to hold onto, the kind that grows deep roots and doesn’t wither when life gets hard.
Keep Your Hope Alive This Week
Life may come at you fast this week. When it does, take a moment to pause and ask yourself: Am I hoping? Or am I just wishing?
Put your hope where it belongs—in the Lord.
Lamentations 3:24 (NIV)
“I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.’”
To GOD Goes The Glory
Have A Blessed Day!
Let’s End With a Prayer
Heavenly Father,
You are the source of my hope and strength. Help me to place my trust in You, not in wishful thinking, but in the firm foundation of Your Word. Teach me to recognize when my faith is faltering and remind me to root myself in Your promises. Strengthen my heart when doubt creeps in, and lead me beside Your still waters.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Amen !!! Thank you for the beautiful post on Hope and clarifying the difference in Hope and Wishing . One of my favorite verses is Faith , Hope and Love . Blessings
I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
I’ve been struggling with my faith. I’ve been experiencing some health issues that have made me feel lost and alone with no hope for healing. Your message has made me realize that I should trust in God and not give up hope and the will give me the strength I need to get through my illness. Thank you for sharing your message.
Having health issues is hard, and they can either pull you closer to God or farther away.
Thank you for the message today. It was if you were speaking directly to me. I needed this at this time in my life. Our faith in the Lord is what constant in our lives, and sometimes we need to be reminded of that. Loved your scriptures for today, as well. Thank you, again.
Amen
A beautiful message for Palm Sunday. Thank you.
Tania – This has nothing to do with this post. A few years ago, you or one of my other bloggers were raving about a pot/pan. I think you called it One Pot; it was not a hot pot or anything like that. My impression was that it was just a pot/pan. Not needing one at that time, I didn’t pay any attention. Do you remember? Can you steer me that way? Thank you.
P.S. I love your devotions on Sunday as well as your verses during the week.
Marin, you are probably talking about this pan. The only drawback is that you have to be careful with the surface. Don’t use anything metal, etc. with it. https://bit.ly/4iamDgd
How blessed are we?! Standing on His promises!
Perfect timing for this message as I face more tests on my heart. Thank you!
Wonderful devotion Tania. Praise God for the Hope he gives us. Have a blessed week everyone!!
amen sister indeed hope
love how you share your faith
Wonderful, meaningful message. So true!
Thank you for that reminder of HOPE!
God’s messages are always timely.
I’m waiting in my husband’s hospital room for another heart test. He has a heart attack last June.
Our hope is steadfast in the Lord. He has never failed.
Thank you.
Thank you for this devotional, Tanya, it was very encouraging. (Our church is named True Hope Bible Church, so the title really caught my eye). Whenever I read these verses it brings such peace to my soul. He is our true Hope.
I am glad you liked the post.
That you Tanya. I really need to hear this right now.
Amen and amen! Your beautiful message was such a blessing to me this morning. Sometimes in our lives, our hope in the Lord is all we have to cling to. It is wonderful to know He is always sufficient. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and the beautiful Scriptures.
I’m happy that this post spoke to you.
Tania, I love reading your blog, I have always loved clothes and fashion. I have gotten many good ideas from you about my choices. However, the thing I enjoy most about the blog is reading your Sunday words of encouragement! Thank you.
Thanks, Sharon!
Thanks for another beautiful Sunday devotional!
Hope.
My favorite praise sing is Cornerstone – a beautiful message about our true HOPE “in nothing less than Jesus Christ and righteousness!” I would love for you be a speaker on the women’s conference circuits!
Gosh, I remember singing that song, or one like it, when I was a child.
Beautifully said❤️ Happy Palm Sunday🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
Thank you so very much for the scripture. I needed that refresh this morning. The Sunday devotions are my favorite part of the blog! Have a blessed day! Claiming his Promises!
Absolutely agree!
I always enjoy your Sunday posts, Tania. And the ending prayers are very helpful to me as well. Have a wonderful Palm Sunday!
Beautiful! Thank you. Have a blessed Holy Week everyone.
AMEN!
Another devotional I read this morning had this prayer: “You, Lord, are not limited. You are the source of my hope and my help. You are my sole and soul security.”
It’s almost like God is trying to get something through my thick head.
Thank you, Tania
Thanks for sharing the prayer with everyone.
found it
Have a blessed Palm Sunday!
Thank you,this was a beautiful post!
I’m so happy to win the $50 Amazon gift card this week. Thank you so much💕
Thank you!
Thank you, Tania. I needed this!
Amen! Thank you for your Sunday post it’s always a blessing.
Amen
♥️♥️♥️
Thanks!!