Hope that does not disappoint
Most hopes carry the risk of disappointment, which is why hoping can feel like setting yourself up to be let down. Paul makes a surprising claim: the hope God gives does not put a person to shame. He even traces a path through suffering, where trouble produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and that produces hope. The hope formed on the far side of hardship is sturdier than the easy kind, because it has been tested and proven. It does not promise that nothing will hurt, only that hope set on God will not turn out to be misplaced. Where you have been bracing for disappointment, consider that the God you are hoping in has never yet failed those who hope in Him.
And not only so, but we also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh stedfastness; and stedfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope.
Romans 5:3-4 · ASVPaul says suffering produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and character produces hope. He traces a chain in which hardship, rather than ending hope, deepens it.
For in hope were we saved: but hope that is seen is not hope: for who hopeth for that which he seeth?
Romans 8:24 · ASVPaul says believers were saved in hope, and that hope for what is already seen is not hope at all. Hope by definition reaches toward what is not yet visible.
rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing stedfastly in prayer.
Romans 12:12 · ASVPaul calls believers to rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and continue steadfastly in prayer. Hope is set as the believer's posture even within trouble.
But I will hope continually, And will praise thee yet more and more.
Psalm 71:14 · ASVThe psalmist resolves to hope continually and to add to God's praise more and more. Hope is shown as a settled, ongoing stance rather than a passing feeling.