In his song STAND, Rich Mullins wrote, “There is more that rises in the morning than the sun.” He knew that with each new day there is the gift of a new beginning, one brimming with promise. 
Anticipated desires, which we expect to occur, are called hopes. God hears all of our prayers and petitions. Therefore, our hopes are certainly obtainable so long as they are aligned with His perfect will. Through the refining process, God transforms our selfish desires into His perfect ones. The desires, dreams, and hopes planted in our hearts will mature and grow with time, eventually bearing the fruit that serves His glorious purpose.
 There is great joy to be had while holding hope in your heart. Sometimes this hope is a secret matter between you and the Lord, shared with no other. How precious these special thoughts and intimate conversational moments! To meditate on a desire not yet fulfilled, with glorious anticipation, is a blessing. Waiting on the fulfillment of this hope is an experience few learn to savor. Don’t let doubt or impatience rob you of this opportunity to draw near God in a new and intimate way. 
“For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?  But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”Romans 8:24-25 (NIV)
God’s gifts are always more wonderful than we can imagine. His blessings are beyond our imagination or comprehension. Why not ask for those things that would please your heavenly Father? Wait for His will and desires to be revealed. Patiently hold on to your hope but trust Him to transform and purify every one of your desires. Thus, as you delight yourself in the Lord the desires of your heart will be granted… for His hopes will have become your own.
While trying to cope with life struggles, hope will help to spur us on in our spiritual race. With hope our perspective changes. We remember to look upwards to our eternal home where our Creator resides and rules. With hope, we once again remember that our present circumstances and troubles are for but a season. Placing our hope in an all-powerful God, trusting Him to guide and strengthen, will provide the necessary encouragement we need to witness and share God’s love. 
As we walk through life, in good times and bad, hope will always remain within our reach. Even better than a friendly neighbor or close friend, hope never disappoints for it is rooted in Christ Jesus. Our Savior is faithful and true, forever encouraging His children onwards in their race towards eternity. It is only when we forget He has already conquered the grave and that the victory has already been won that we become weary. His resurrection IS our hope and it should propel us through every hardship, test, and trial.
“Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:5 (NKJV) 
With fleshly eyes we look at our storms and falter. But with spiritual eyes we are able to face our fears, for we are made aware of the heavenly hosts engaged in battle on our behalf. No storm or trial should be overwhelming. God has promised to provide whatever we need to withstand every test. So, it is when our eyes are focused on our circumstances…. And not God…. That we falter and loose hope. 
“Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey towards it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us” —Samuel Smiles 
Will hope carry you through today? Will the victory won on the cross of Calvary inspire you to serve and share your faith with others? Are the hopes and desires in your heart aligned with God’s perfect will and purpose for your life? Are His desires your desires? 
Let the Holy Spirit guide you. Savor your time of reflection and take joy in the hope that springs eternal. He has conquered the grave. His precious gift is our salvation. Praise be to our living hope and King. Bless His holy name. 
“Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. “  Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. “ Romans 12:12 (NIV) 
“If I Stand” by Rich Mullins
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=fvwp&NR=1&v=5Jj0ZTzgmGM 
“There’s more that rises in the morning than the sun                                                                                          And more that shines than just the moon 
If I stand let me stand on the promise that You will pull me through                                                              And if I can’t let me fall on the grace that first brought me to You
And if I sing let me sing for the joy that is born in me this song
And if I weep let it be as a man who is longing for his home.”