we have come to the conclusion of the main body of Paul’s letter to the Romans. And it is no surprise that it ends with a benediction, a blessing. 
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

Hope is a universal human trait. We hope as naturally as we breathe. Paul Tripp, in his devotional, “40 Days of Hope”, says, 
“Almost every day, you entrust your smallest and largest longings into the hands of something or someone with the hope that your longing will be satisfied. To be human is to hope.“ 

But what does it mean to hope? What is hope? In our language it is wish for some desire to be fulfilled. We say things like,” I hope the weather will be nice next week when we go camping”. Or, “I hope Mom brings home some ice cream”. Or, “I hope the stock market allows me to retire comfortably.” It’s a wish for a future blessing. And our hopes are often disappointed. The weather turns cold and rainy. Mom fails to deliver on the ice cream. The stock market fails to provide. 

Biblical hope is much more present and confident and convinced. Biblical hope is certain of God’s blessing – both now and forever. Biblical hope is expressed well in Psalm 23:6
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
That’s Biblical hope.