Hope is both a noun and a verb.
A noun defined as a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen, grounds for believing that something good may happen.
A verb meaning to trust, to believe or desire, to look forward with desire and reasonable confidence, to place trust.
Synonyms for HOPE include belief, faith, optimism, expectation, confidence, endurance, and a light at the end of the tunnel.
Despair is defined as the loss of hope.
Our HOPES most often are centered on and look toward the future with faith and optimism, expecting good things to happen. When we are filled with HOPE we are confident in our ability to find happiness now and in the future, and are infused with the strength to endure trials, adversity, and tribulation. We despair as we dwell on regrets of the past and no longer believe in a bright future, nor a light at the end of the tunnel.
What then should we HOPE for? Epicurus, the Greek philosopher taught,
“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
Certainly if we only hope for things that money can buy we will always be found wanting.
The HOPE that can bring peace, joy, and contentment despite the storms of life is not centered on things. This type of HOPE focuses on faith. Faith in a supreme being, a power greater than ourselves. I find it difficult to separate the hope I have from my belief in God. I believe that He is all powerful and all knowing. I believe that we are God's children, that he knows each of us and loves us more than we can comprehend.
“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit,
that we are the children of God:” (Romans 8:16)
I believe that if we do what's right, and strive with all our hearts to do good, God will reward us accordingly.
“He that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
This does not mean that if we are good and kind, life will be filled with bliss and devoid of adversity. What it does mean is that while all trial and affliction will not be removed from our lives we WILL be given the strength and stamina to bear our burdens.
Hope makes it possible to drink from the bitter cup
without becoming bitter.
“No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God … ” (Orson F Whitney)
My HOPE is buoyed up by the fact that God has a plan for each of us and if we do our part in living good principled lives He will take care of the rest. This is the basis for my HOPE. I know that despite illness, pain, loss of a loved one, loss of health, terminal illness, divorce, loneliness, injustice, financial reversals, unemployment, and all other forms of suffering; - God is still there and He is over all. Even at times when we don't see that deliverance is possible from these adversities. Because of this I know that in the end things will work out, and if things are not working out then it's not the end.
“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh
in the morning.” (Psalms 30:5)
“We have always held to the hope, the belief, the conviction that there is a better life, a better world, beyond the horizon.”
I believe this to be true, which fills me with HOPE!
Great Read of the Week!
