HOPE PRODUCES BOLDNESS
2 CORINTHIANS 3:12 NKJV
12 Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech—
This is one of those devotionals that capitalizes on a single verse to make a spiritual connection. And it’s a connection not totally related to the theme of the chapter.
That principle is not out of character from the revelation that comes from the Holy Spirit. He can take a single verse and give us insight into a question or reveal a solution completely unrelated to the context of the chapter.
In our verse for today, we see the connection between hope and boldness. Hope in its biblical usage, is quite different from modern usage of the word. Today when people say they hope such and such. They are using the word as a wish. I hope so, indicating that they wish it would be that way. When people say their hopes and prayers are with you once again, the word hope is more indicative of a desire.
But the biblical usage of the word hope is quite different. Hope in the scriptures refers to a positive expectation of good. Hope is powerful because there is a big difference between wishing for something and actually expecting it. When we are expecting something good, it can empower us to move past difficulties. When we are expecting something good, we are not discouraged. Hope is considered one of the three big spiritual forces—faith, hope, and love. And the greatest is love, but that does not make hope second class.
When we are in hope, we are expecting good. That alters our attitude, actions, and speech. Paul said when we have hope, we use great boldness of speech. When people are not expecting anything good, you can hear it in their speech. Their words are more questioning and hesitant.
But when hope is strong, then our words are strong. When we have a strong expectation of good, our voice tones and choice of words is congruent with what is in our hearts.
If you have ever listened to a bride-to-be talk about her upcoming wedding, you can hear the boldness in her speech. She has not seen the ceremony, but she is expecting it to be wonderful. With such a strong expectation, there is no hesitancy in her words. The same principle applies to a couple expecting a baby. They are expecting something good, and they are excited. They are not wondering or cautious. When they talk about their baby there is great boldness, confidence of speech.
APPLICATION:
Here is a great question. Where in our lives do we have such hope? Where are we expecting anything good? And I am specifically talking about where are we expecting anything good from God. One way to ascertain where our hope is would be to listen to our words. Are we talking confidently and with assurance? Or are we hesitant and careful?
The place we want to go with the Lord is where we are expecting something good from Him all the time. We are literally abounding in hope (Rom. 15:13). The Holy Spirit helps us in this area, as does believing what God has said in His word.
So when we speak of what is revealed in scripture, we can be bold to declare what God has done in us. And declare who God is to us. The scriptures give us a reason to believe. And believing we are expecting good. And expecting good, we speak with confidence and assurance. Great hope produces great boldness of speech.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for the hope that is in You. Thank you for the hope that is in Your word. Your hope gives me confidence.