cultivate hope: a biblical perspective

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Hope isn’t something we simply stumble upon. It’s something we can nurture, strengthen, and cultivate in our daily lives. Just as a gardener tends the soil, waters the plants, and removes weeds to help something grow, we must be intentional about making space for hope to flourish. The Bible gives us many reminders of where true hope is rooted: in God’s promises, faithfulness, and love. I love that we can cultivate hope!

This post is part of my word-of-the-year series around the word CULTIVATE. I like the idea of intentional growth in a variety of areas.

Bible verses highlighting hope

Let’s consider a collection of Old and New Testament verses to see how hope is a thread woven through all of scripture.

God’s plans give us hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 – I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope.

This verse reminds us that hope isn’t just wishful thinking. It’s trusting in the future God is shaping. Even when circumstances feel uncertain, we can rest in the knowledge that God’s plans are for our well-being. And when times are tough, God works through those circumstances to teach us and refine us. Cultivating hope means choosing to trust in that future, even when we can’t yet see it.

Hope overflows when we stay connected to God.

Romans 15:13 – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Hope isn’t just a personal feeling. It’s something that can overflow and impact those around us. This verse reminds us that hope is fueled by God’s joy and peace. When we stay connected to God, our hope grows, not by our own strength but by the power of the Holy Spirit. I love the idea of overflowing hope!

Hope is renewed daily.

Lamentations 3:21-23 – I call all this to mind—therefore, I will wait. Certainly, the faithful love of the Lord hasn’t ended; certainly, God’s compassion isn’t through! They are renewed every morning. Great is your faithfulness.

Life can be discouraging, but this passage reminds us that God’s love and compassion are renewed every morning. No matter what happened yesterday, today is a fresh opportunity to cultivate hope. Just as the sun rises each day, God’s faithfulness never runs out. Somehow, a good night of sleep always improves my perspective!

Hold on without wavering.

Hebrews 10:23 – Let’s hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, because the one who made the promises is reliable.

This verse challenges us to cling tightly to hope. When life shakes us, hope is the anchor that keeps us steady. Cultivating hope means making a conscious decision to trust in God’s reliability, even when doubt or fear tries to creep in.

Hope transforms our perspective.

Psalm 42:11 – Why, I ask myself, are you so depressed? Why are you so upset inside? Hope in God! Because I will again give God thanks, my saving presence and my God.

The psalmist talks to their own soul, giving a reminder to place their hope in God. This is an active, intentional practice, one we can adopt when we feel discouraged. Cultivating hope means speaking truth to ourselves, shifting our focus from despair to gratitude. In a broader sense, when our focus is on God rather than our circumstances, it’s easier to keep the big picture in mind.

Hope renews our strength.

Isaiah 40:31 – But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will fly up on wings like eagles; they will run and not be tired; they will walk and not be weary.

This verse beautifully illustrates how hope fuels endurance. When we put our hope in God, we are strengthened. Cultivating hope is like exercising a muscle. The more we practice relying on God’s promises, the stronger and more resilient we become. It requires steady, ongoing effort.

How to cultivate hope in everyday life

Spend time in scripture and prayer to remind yourself of God’s promises. When we regularly take time to connect and renew our focus, hope grows naturally in us.
Surround yourself with hopeful people who encourage and uplift you. This idea extends to anything we fill our mind with: music, books, television, etc. Being intentional about a positive environment impacts our frame of mind.
Practice gratitude, focusing on ways God has already been faithful. Looking at the blessings we already enjoy reminds us of the goodness in our lives.
Speak truth to yourself, just like the psalmist in Psalm 42. Self-talk is important! Let’s show ourselves grace.
Take small steps forward, even when the future feels uncertain. Sometimes it’s enough just to ask ourselves, “What is the next right thing?” One thing at a time.
Set a goal with a friend, working together to be more hopeful. I always do better when I have an accountability partner. Check in with each other and encourage each other.

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Let’s cultivate hope together!

Hope is not passive; it’s something we actively cultivate. And the more we nurture it, the more it grows. Not just in us, but in the world around us.

For more of my word-of-the-year series, check out these posts:

For something different, consider these posts:

Fondly,

Crysti