Projections

(Pro 10:28 KJV) The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.

“Hope” (8431) is one of the great New Testament words.  That hope produces “gladness” (8057).  This is assurance.  This is guarantee.  This is payoff.  No empty wishing is involved here; God will deliver.

But wait.  We are not in the New Testament, we are in the Old.  

Hope is contrasted with “expectation” (8615b).  This is the kind of hope that comes through politics and economics.  It is generated when we feel we are in control or have made the right decision.  It allows us to pat ourselves on the back.  

So?  I am free to have my expectations about the economy and to plan for them.  On eternal issues my only plan is to trust in Jesus.