Do you ever think about the future? Is it something that you look forward to or something that fills you with fear? As humans, it’s easy for us to fear. We don’t know what the future holds and so it makes us anxious.
But the Bible is hopeful about our future. As we examine these Bible verses about the future, let’s seek to answer some questions:
- What does the Bible say about planning and preparation?
- What does God say about worrying about the future?
- What does God say about your future?
Our answers will help us to internalize the hope for the future that the Bible speaks about.
What Does the Bible Say About Hope for the Future?
Table of Contents
Hope is an interesting thing. The Oxford Dictionary defines hope as a feeling of expectation and desire for a particular thing to happen. With hope, humans have accomplished extraordinary things. But the absence of hope causes despair and distress. Therefore, it shouldn’t surprise you that there are several Hebrew and Greek words for hope.
At its most elemental level, the Bible is a book of hope. After the Fall of humanity, the only thing we had to look forward to was death and destruction. But even as He handed out judgment to Adam and Eve, God also gave them hope.
The promise of Genesis 3:15 was a statement of hope in what would have otherwise been a gloomy existence. The promise of and eventual fulfillment of the birth of a Messiah: One who would save humanity from their sins has given us hope throughout the ages.
These Bible verses about the future remind us that we have hope for what lies ahead:
We serve a God who is able to speak things into existence. He spoke our universe into being and He’s still speaking today. You only need to read His Word to learn about some of the things He has in store for us. We can believe Him because His Words have power.
So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11 ESV
Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17 ESV
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”John 8:31-32 ESV
Those who align themselves with the Most High will be rewarded.
The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever. Psalm 37:29 ESV
I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. Revelation 3:11 ESV
He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; Romans 2:6-7 ESV
As children of God, we have the joy of knowing that when Jesus returns we will be made like Him.
Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. 1 John 3:2-3 ESV
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV
Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven. 1 Corinthians 15:49 ESV
Bible Verses on Preparation for the Future
As children of God, we have a bright future, one that ends with us living eternally with God. But that future requires preparation. It requires an investment here on earth. The Bible offers us much advice on what should be done to prepare for the future.
1. Eternity will not be lived in a vacuum. We will share the time and space with other believers. It’s therefore important for us to begin living right with each other here on earth as there will be no conflict in heaven or on the new earth.
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 ESV
2. We will need to put away bad behaviors. Sin cannot exist in God’s presence.
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21 ESV
3. Our future hope begins with choosing God. Jesus was God’s representative on earth, those who align themselves with Christ, have also chosen to align themselves with God.
Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 ESV
4. A future with God begins with faithfulness to Him on earth. God has proven Himself to be faithful but we have to determine if we’re willing to be obedient and do the things He’s asked us to do.
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. Malachi 3:10 ESV
Bible Verses About the Future
The future can sometimes a big, scary thing. Thankfully, God knows the future and we can trust Him. As we meditate on these Bible verses about the future, remember that God is in control and nothing catches Him off-guard or surprises Him.
1. We can make all the plans we want, but ultimately it is God’s will that will prevail. We ought to therefore include God in our plans and consider what He wants us to do.
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:13-15
2. God has a plan for your life. We often make plans for the future without considering the One who holds the future. It’s not wrong to plan, but we should do so knowing that it is God’s will that will prevail.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Though this verse was written to a specific people during a specific situation, the sentiment remains true. God does not want us to be destroyed. All His actions on our behalf have been done to save us and to give us a future with Him.
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Proverbs 19:21
3. A bright future lies ahead for all those who believe in Jesus and accept Him as Lord and Master. The problems of this world will be destroyed and God Himself will wipe away all our tears.
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4
No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. Revelation 22:3 ESV
Bible Verses About Future and Hope
Times of stress and uncertainty can cause doubt to fill the hearts of even the most stalwart believer. But when we meditate on Bible verses about the future and hope, we’re reminded that we have more reasons to celebrate than to mourn because God is still with us.
1. The future is bright for those who put their trust in the Lord.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 ESV
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 ESV
2. When we commit our futures to God, we give Him permission to arrange things for our benefit.
Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3 ESV
And whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. 1 John 3:22 ESV
3. Worrying about tomorrow only robs us of today’s strength.
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34 ESV
Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. Proverbs 27:1 ESV
Hope for the Future
Trusting that God has a plan for our future is something every Christian wants to believe. But when the challenges of this world surround us on every side, it’s hard to be hopeful about the future.
My friend, it’s in times like these that we need to do everything in our power to keep our faith strong. One of the best ways to do this is to meditate on Scripture. God is a promise keeper. If He said He would do something, He will.
When you find it hard to hope for the future, download the Bible verses about the future PDF and remember you can hope in God.