The answer to which book I’ll read through has been answered in a backwards way. The notes for Nehemiah have disappeared. Which leaves me with 1 Peter, as it’s shorter than Exodus, and hope and a shorter book might be a good thing in these days.
Hope was listed as one of the advent words. I like the thought that hope is a vital part of our coming to God, and His coming to us, as He came to bring Hope to the world. In more ways than one. 
Today I’ve been reading what the Bible has to say about hope, in verses not in 1 Peter. Instead of starting with how the world defines hope, I read first how God defines hope. At least part of the definition is the same. But God’s definition goes deeper.
What part does hope play in our coming to God?
In what ways has God coming to us brought hope?
How would you define hope?
The world says hope is
• a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen
• it is a desire accompanied by expectation of or belief in fulfillment
• someone or something on which hopes are centered
• a feeling of expectation or confidence
God says hope is
• a longing fulfilled, a tree of life (Proverbs 13:12)
• waiting patiently for what we do not yet have (Romans 8:25)
• held out in the gospel (Colossians 1:23)
• Christ in us (Colossians 1:27)
• fellow believers (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20)
• the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13)
• confidence (Hebrews 3:6)
• that which we profess Hebrews 10:23: Jesus is Lord and God raised Him from the dead
(Romans 10:9)
How has God’s hope made a difference in your life?
Hope can be summed up in one word:
Faith (Hebrews 11:1)
We use the word “is” to convey equality, that is something or someone has a specified state, quality, identity, nature, or role.
“Faith is (=) confidence in what we hope for”
what we hope for = faith
How has hope strengthened your faith?
This definition works when we consider Peter’s overall message to Christians facing persecution.
Their faith was a firm foundation and gave them hope.
• Before, when persecution lay on the horizon.
We have confidence (hope) God will see us through anything that comes our way.
• During, in times of suffering or unjust treatment for being a Christian.
We hold firm to a confession Jesus is the resurrected Lord of all.
Our hope is in Christ who lives in us.
• After, as we wait patiently for His glorious return.
We have confidence and assurance in our faith.
We often read Jeremiah 29:11-13 out of context. Given that God said these words at other times in history as well, I think we can apply this promise of hope, in the context of coming to God and Him coming to us.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”