What does it mean that faith is the substance of things hoped for?

Hebrews 11:1 states, 'Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.' This means that faith provides the foundation for all that Christians hope for, making the unseen promises of God tangible to their hearts. It underscores that faith is not merely a feeling but a strong conviction based on God's past faithfulness and the completed work of Christ. Believers can trust in the promises of salvation, eternal life, and God's mercy because faith assures them of these realities. This brings hope that transcends physical sight and leads to a deeper reliance on God’s character and His word as rooted in truth.