Evolution of Praise: Devotions From Time of GraceНамуна

Your alive and well and for-sure future

There is, perhaps, no more misunderstood word in the Bible than hope. In English, the word hope is used for any random wish, no matter how far-fetched the odds. “I hope to be cancer-free.” “I hope to become a grandparent soon.” “I hope it doesn’t snow in Wisconsin on the Fourth of July!”

But the Bible has a radically different definition for hope, a definition that can make you really, really happy today. Listen to Peter’s words: “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” (1 Peter 1:3). A living hope. Living means not dead. Alive and kicking. Hope means a for-sure future, a guaranteed tomorrow. So living hope means “an alive and well and for-sure future.” Something incredible is going to happen for sure! It’s alive and well and on its way! You and I as children of God may not have it just yet, but we will soon and very soon. And it will make us so happy!

Do you know the living hope of every Christian? The “inexpressible and glorious joy” of being with God (1 Peter 1:8). Being with God forever will make you so happy that you will jump and dance and shout and worship. If the angels, who have never been forgiven of a single sin, have spent thousands of years praising their place in the presence of God, just imagine what we will feel when we see the face of the One who saved us from sin so that we could be born again into the family of Jesus!