Hope.  Merriam-Webster defines Hope: to cherish a desire with anticipation, to want something to happen or be true. In Hebrew, hope is the word Tikvah תִּקְוָה . Strong’s defines it as a cord, expectation and hope. It comes from the root word Kavah, meaning to wait, or look eagerly for, to collect, bind together.  

The first occurrence of the word tikvah in the Bible is in the book of Joshua in the account of the two Israelite spies and the woman Rahab who lived within the wall of Jericho. “Behold, when we come into the land, you shall tie this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and you shall gather into your house your father and mother, your brothers, and all your father’s household.” (Joshua 2:18)

Rahab held onto the hope tangible scarlet cord represented – the hope that her family would be spared by the Israelites. Rehab still needed to wait for that promise to come. That is where the root word comes in, remembering that hope is rooted in waiting. 

How do we cling to hope? We can hold tightly to the word of God and His promises, which are abundant and secure. That is why I put other scriptures about hope within the walls of the piece.  God has engraved us in the palms of His hands, and our walls (life) are ever before Him (Isaiah 49:16). Let us keep our hearts open and trusting, because “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” (1Thessalonians.5:24)