Blog post July 7, 2026

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:5

Hope is such an interesting word. In this context the Greek word elpis is used which literally means we have an expectation of what is sure. I like that. We often think hope is like crossing our fingers and wishing something comes true. For the child of God we don't have to cross her fingers and wish, our hope is a sure expectation.

Hope also is not the same as longing and desiring. We can long for things that are impossible to fulfill, such as, a season that will not come back, or for a chapter that has closed. Hope, on the contrary is based on reliable facts. There may be periods or events in our life for which we look back with unfulfilled, craving and longing. But the better thing to do is to look forward, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Then we can go forward, with courage and hope.

And… hope does not disappoint us, because… God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.

This is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Joel prophesied of a time when the Spirit of God would be poured out upon man. We are so blessed to have a hope that does not dissapoint. A hope that is a sure expectation.

Life really can be broken down to those who possess such hope, and those who do not. The Holy Spirit is our seal. He is our proof. In the Old Testament. A king would melt wax and the press his signet ring into the wax to show it was an official seal, for it had his seal. There was only one signet ring for the king. Likewise God has given us His seal, which is the Holy Spirit. His Holy Spirit has given us a "hope" that others do not have. What a beautiful reminder for us that we are His. We bear His seal. We have His Holy Spirit. We are filled with His hope.

Heavenly Father thank you so much for our sure expectation. Thank you for Your Holy Spirit who is our seal and proof that we are Yours. Thank you for pouring Your love into our hearts. We know what it is to have disappointment in this life so to have a hope that does not disappoint is such a blessing. It gets us through difficult times. Thank You in Jesus name. AMEN AMEN