Having the confidence and trust that what you wish for will be fulfilled is a definition of hope.
When we hope for something, it matters not that there are good reasons or justification for attaining our manifestation. Having a hopeful manner is more than an attitude or belief. It is the purpose, process and spiritual energy that drives us forward toward "connecting the dots" and living a passionate life, in good times or bad.
Just as the Divine Law of Love flows through all religions, so, too, does spiritually-driven hope. "And these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1Co 13:13 (Col 1:23; 2Th 2:16)
In our life, we keep striving for things, whether we are rich or poor, in the belief that achieving that which we seek will make us happy, wealthier, successful, stronger, healthier, tranquil or wiser. Yet, when we achieve that special something, we quickly adapt the improvement into our lives and then take it for granted. The glow of satisfaction quickly fades and soon we're yearning for something else.
As humans, we are built to survive, reproduce and, hopefully, prosper. The promise of hope instinctively and spiritually keeps us alive and moving toward the ever increasing goals we seek in this life and beyond.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, May 2, 2007