hope
[noun]
The longing or expectation of something desired to happen. Hope takes many forms: trust in a situation of desperation, an optimistic outcome, an unwavering confidence. Hope is not denying reality; hope is walking with faith in spite of it.
Sometimes we find ourselves living in a “hopeful” state. We hope we get the job of our dreams. We hope we get to work on time. We hope someone comes to their senses. But does that really mean we live in hope?
How can we sustain hope in a seemingly lost world that seems to shout, “Give up!”
When we are feeling hopeless, here are five simple things we can do:
- Take a breathing break that makes room for grace.
- Pray, even if it is just sighs, even when there are no words.
- Offer a hug or do a small act of kindness for a stranger.
- Share the Word of God, which is stronger than the noise of fear.
- Remember that hope is not denial. It is resistance with faith.
Dear God,
Sometimes living in this world might feel very heavy. Help me see Your light of hope in the smile of the stranger, in the innocence of a child, in random acts of kindness, and in the beauty of Your creation. Help me so that I may never lose that sense of wonder in Your grace and everyday miracles that show us that You are at the center of our hope.
How can we be bearers of hope in a seemingly hopeless world?
