What if we have trouble finding hope?
By: La Donna Chase
“If you do not hope, you will not find what is beyond your hopes.”
St. Clement of Alexandra
Hebrews 11:1 says “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” I admit I’ve always had trouble with this wonderful verse. But The Living Bible translation helps: “What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen.” To me, this is a perfect definition of not only faith but also of hope. Have you lost hope in your life? If so, how in the world do you go about regaining the hope that allows you to find the goodness that is beyond our hopes? As Christians, we must begin by asking for God’s help and search His word. Comforting verses such as Psalms 71:5a, “For thou, oh Lord, art my hope, my trust.” And Psalms 71.14, “But I will hope continually, and will praise thee yet more and more.” You can also read inspirational books, meditate, begin a journal, exercise, listen to music…there are many first steps you can take.
In her wonderful little book “When I Loved Myself Enough,” Kim McMillen writes, “When I loved myself enough, I began to feel a divine presence in me and hear it’s guidance. I am learning to trust this and live from it.” What an honor we Christians have to worship an awesome God that gives us the assurance of realizing our hopes and dreams. May God grant all of us the happiness that lies beyond our hopes.