The connection between hope and despair is close and meaningful in our daily living. Both hope and despair are very powerful concepts that affect our daily routines and choices and future steps. Hope can give us energy, whereas despair will zap the energy right out from under us.
We all have those “yucky” days, don’t we? And if we are not careful about the thoughts and outer influences we allow in, the despair of the day will creep up and try to take over our living space. We do not realize how necessary it is to recognize the influences around us and understand the hope offered by God as a gift to help us through difficult times. Each step forward in life requires decisions and perseverance to live out each day. I know you know that some days are going to require “all” you’ve got to just hang in there. But rest assured, hope is always stronger than despair, which dresses itself up like a mighty lion, ready to kill, steal, and destroy you.
When you wake up tomorrow morning, take a few minutes and try stepping forward with God; read one of the scriptures and quotes listed at the end of this blog. Try giving God your first thoughts and resolve to give God time to hear your requests. Through His Word, He will reveal Himself.
As you share your desires with God, expect an answer. The answers could emerge as “yes,” “no,” or even “wait, now is not the time.” Silence from God can mean He is working on things on your behalf, preparing the way to bless you or save you from a world of heartache or trouble. This is not an easy situation, waiting on God, but He is faithful. Continue to do what you can do daily and leave the rest up to God.
If at all possible, at lunch and then again in the evening, take time to reflect on the day’s work and the scripture/quote you read at the beginning of the day. Gradually you will receive insight and assurance through faith that God is working hope into your life and not despair. You only need to live one day at a time. God says He is already in your tomorrow. God, who has led you today, will be even closer tomorrow through His Word, which is living and powerful and will work in your heart and life.
Understanding the connection between hope and despair and how it can occupy your heart and mind will give you fuel to live out this day or not, plant seeds of hope or despair, and grow or not grow with the promises of God’s hope cultivating an outlook of “Peace,Hope, Joy, and Love.” A moment with God is a good connection of hope!
“When odds are one in a million, be that one.”
Anonymous
“Blessed are those whose hope is in the Lord their God.”
Psalm 146:5
“God is the only one who can make the valley of trouble a door of hope.”
Catherine Marshall
“Give thanks to the God in heaven, for His steadfast love endures forever.”
Psalm 136:26
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.
Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”
Helen Keller
“Hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with Him is plentiful redemption.”
Psalm 130:7
“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”
Hebrews 6:19
“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.”
Jeremiah 29:11
“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.”
Helen Keller
This blog post was inspired by Ms. Hope; my faithful morning bible study partner.
