What Does Hopeful Look Like?

But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. (Romans 8:25 NIV)

What does it mean to be hopeful? Is it constant optimism despite our circumstances? How do we cultivate it in our own life on a daily basis? Sometimes it looks like taking a leap of faith toward a dream that has been brewing in one’s heart. Sometimes it looks like speaking words of promise out loud even when it feels like the circumstances are impossible. Sometimes it looks like continuing to plow the fields before us and being faithful in the monotonous.

However it specifically dresses itself, being hopeful does not remain stagnant in its current position. Even if the circumstance requires incredible patience, a heart that is hopeful is persistent in patience. We believe waiting on God to be a sedentary position, similar to us waiting on a bench until a bus arrives and we can safely travel to our desired destination. But being hopeful is not sitting on a bench; being hopeful is praying for every bus that comes to that stop and standing up, ready to jump on, if it is the correct one. It is proactively preparing oneself for the next adventure in the midst of the delay.

While hope is a choice we make on the inside, it is seen in our demeanor and our body language. It is made obvious by how we speak to others. It is apparent in our responses and our attitudes. When we believe that God is going to show up in the perfect timing, we cheerfully and obediently wait on Him. When fatigue or impatience want our attention, we spend time reminding our heart of His promises for our life.

“Lord, remind us You are working,” we ask,. Hopeful hearts experience discouragement, but they detect its poison. Bitterness does not stand a chance, and weariness is refreshed in the presence of the Lord.

Are we hopeful people when we are not getting what we want when we think we should get it? May we set our sights on Him, renew our strength with His power, and remind our soul that our bus is never early and never late but always right on time.

Dear Jesus, thank You for giving us a hopeful heart that brings glory to Your name. When we are frustrated or impatient, remind us to prepare and pray for what is ahead. Your timing is perfect and Your will is good. In Jesus’s name, amen.

This is an excerpt from Be Still by Cleere Cherry. If you are enjoying this series, consider purchasing a copy of this book to bless someone that could use daily words of encouragement. Shop all DaySpring Books and Devotionals.