Expect vs. Hope

"And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." Romans 5:5

Do you know the difference between expectation and hope?

It's an important distinction because it frames the way we look at life, and has a direct impact on our gratitude, our walk with God.

Throughout Scripture, we find the use of both words.  And, often we use the words hope and expect interchangeably.  Yet, when we look at the words in their original languages in Scripture, we find two distinct words with different meanings.

Let's use Proverbs 10:28 as an illustration because it uses both words.  In the English Standard Version it reads, "The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish."

When we examine this verse in the Hebrew Interlinear Bible, we find that the word expect, transliterated tocheleth, means to look forward to, or to anticipate.  But the word hope, transliterated tikvah in Hebrew, means to wait or to bind as with a rope.  

When we dive deeper into the meaning of the two words, we find that to expect assumes that we know best; whereas, to hope assumes God knows best.

Is it any wonder our expectations get us into so much trouble and cause us to be ungrateful, bitter, and disappointed?  On the other hand, consider the passage of Scripture above.  Hope does not disappoint because God does not disappoint.  To hope in Him has no abstract element about it.  It is firm and secure.

Do you want a joyful and grateful heart?  Remember that Father knows best, and hope in Him.

Goodnight, Runners.