4 Reasons We Can Be Thankful in Times of Trouble

3. Because we have hope

We tend to think of hope as an emotional state that reflects what we would like to happen in the future but are unsure will actually happen. For instance, we may “hope” that our ruptured marriage will be mended or we can avoid financial ruin. Despite our earnest desire, though, we have no assurance we will get the outcome we prefer

In Scripture, though, hope means something entirely different. Hope is a desire for a future outcome that is absolutely certain. We know that for those who love God all things work together for good (Romans 8:28). Because we trust in God’s promises, we can be completely confident about the outcome. Because we know God can and will do what he says, our hope is a form of knowing. As R. C. Sproul says, “Hope is faith looking forward.”