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The biblical concept of hope is broader and deeper than that commonly used by today's physicians, scientists, and psychologists. The terms of the original languages ​​in which the Bible was written and translated "hope" convey the idea of ​​longing and hoping for the good. Hope basically consists of two elements: the desire for something good and the foundation to believe that something good will come. The hope the Bible offers is not just wishful thinking. It is solidly based on facts and evidence. Share with your friends and relatives these biblical stickers with your friends.

To illustrate: when we ask a trusted friend for a favor, we hope that they will help us. Such hope is not without foundation. We have faith in that friend, we know him well, and we have witnessed his acts of kindness and generosity in the past. Our faith and our hope are closely related, they are even interdependent, but they are not exactly the same. How do you cultivate that kind of hope in God?

Likewise, if God's promises are a “sure as well as firm” hope for us, that hope can help us weather the storm of the times in which we live. Jehovah promises that the day will soon come when humanity will no longer suffer from wars, crime, penalties, and even death (see box on p. 10). Holding onto that hope can help us avoid disaster by giving us the incentive we need to abide by God's standards rather than give in to the chaotic and immoral spirit that is so prevalent in today's world. Share these stickers of God with your friends and relatives.

When looking for a watchmaker to fix it, you find many promising ads, but some are contradictory. Then you discover that a neighbor of yours is the ingenious man who years ago designed that particular model of watch, and who is also willing to repair it for you at no cost. The Bible says that "he is not very far from each of us" and that he is very willing to help us.

A more comprehensive definition of hope

The terms of the original languages ​​in which the Bible was written and translated as "hope" convey the idea of ​​longing and hoping for the good. It is solidly based on facts and evidence. In this respect it is similar to faith, which must be based on evidence, not simply credulity. Our faith and our hope are closely related, they are even interdependent, but they are not exactly the same.

Every reliable hope his people had came from him, so it could be said that he was their hope. This was not just about wanting something. God gave them a solid foundation for hope. In dealing with them over the centuries, he built a reputation for always keeping his promises.

His prophetic promises are so reliable that they are sometimes worded as if they had already been fulfilled when spoken. That is why we can call the Bible the book of hope. As we study God's way of dealing with humanity, our reasons for putting our hope in him will grow.

However, for many people, it is precisely when death takes a loved one that it is most difficult for them to have hope. Jehovah God is more powerful than death, and he has demonstrated this on many occasions. The Bible recounts nine cases in which God used his power to bring the dead back to life. On a special occasion, Jehovah gave his Son, Jesus, the power to resurrect Lazarus, a dear friend of his who had been dead for four days.

It is to him that Jehovah will give the power to resurrect people on a world scale. Indeed, all those who rest in the grave have the prospect of being resurrected to live on a paradise earth.