What is hope? Is it a cheap fill for ones own discontent? Or is it the joyful anticipation for what the future has to behold?

     Is hope something different for everyone? For you what does hope entail? What kind of thought does it provoke in your mind? Is it something you hold joy in?

     For me, hope is more than a psychological trick used to give meaning to a dream once had. It's a feeling of security for what lies ahead in this venture called life. For as it says in Romans 12:12, we should be "…Joyful in Hope…" and that is what I hold myself accountable to. Hope is not something fake or surreal; it is something that takes immense grace and wisdom in order to completely comprehend and understand. I am just at the beginner's-level of an understanding of hope. Perhaps only because I am just starting to realize that in Faith comes hope, and that with faith comes change through actions, i.e.) prayer and fellowship.

     However, the one and main underlying "artery" of this ideology of hope is that God has his power and his plan. He has COMPLETE control over every situation in my life, and everything I have hope in is at a direct result of my faith in God and his sovereignty. All hope I am joyful in is a direct influence of the comfort that my faith in God's will. No matter what trial, tribulation, challenge or even time of great joy and happiness know that it will amount to good and that perseverance is richly rewarded.
Galatians 3:9 says "…So those who have faith are blessed…"
Romans 12:12 says "…Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer…"
Romans 8:28 says "…And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…"
Psalms 91:14 says "…Because he loves me, says the Lord, I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation…"

     These are the roots of my joy, the foundation of my hope, and the reward of my faith.

     What is hope?