060 HOPE: What Is It, How Do We Get it, and How Do We Display it?

Episode Summary:

This is the second in a four-part anniversary series of “Your Hope-Filled Perspective.”   

Specifically, today we are discussing the concept of “Hope.” What is hope, how do we get it and how do we display it? And what isn’t it?

The Bible has two uses for the term HOPE

• One is simple but ungrounded expectation that something specific may happen—closest to English vernacular understanding.
• Second is a CONFIDENCE that something anticipated will come to pass.

What is the difference between FAITH and HOPE? 

• The Bible talks about both, and sometimes the same word is used. The concepts are very closely related.
• Best illustration: a child is told by her parents that they will be taking her to DisneyWorld soon.
  • FAITH is the quiet confidence that her parents are being truthful and that the promised visit will happen.
  • HOPE is the excited expectancy of the promised visit that has the child bouncing off the walls.
  • FAITH is the basis for HOPE.

What are the characteristics of HOPE?

• Forward looking
• Positive
• Expectant/anticipatory of something longed for
• Patient
• Focused on sufficiency and abundance
• ACTIVE

HOPE is ACTIVE, it requires PREPARATION.  Think of the Disney example. As the child ANTICIPATES, she will engage in various activities that illustrate this expectancy.

In our culture and language, HOPE is understood in a  very passive context—we don’t grant it much power in our lives, yet both the NT and the OT point to HOPE as crucial to our daily existence.

HOPE is closely paralleled to FEAR

• Forward looking
• Expectant—of something dreaded
• Negative instead of positive
• Based on anxiety or worry instead of faith
• Focused on inadequacy & loss

Quotables from the episode:

• Emil Brunner— “What oxygen is to the lungs, such is hope to the meaning of life.”
• FAITH is the basis for HOPE.
• Hope is active.
• Our hope is grounded in the overwhelming abundance and goodness of God.

Scripture References:

• Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a future and a hope.”
• David in Psalms linked his HOPE in God with courage and strength (Ps 31:24)
• Paul also (Rom 5:5) describes the abundance and fulfilling nature of HOPE.

Recommended Resources:

• Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win
• Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide
• Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip
• Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
• Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award

Social Media Links for Host:

For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:

Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast

Hosted By: Scott and Dr. Michelle Bengtson

Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.