Hope Floats

To eat bread without hope is still slowly to starve to death – Pearl S. Buck.

Hope, what is it?  Hope by definition is a feeling of expectation, a desire for certain things to happen, a feeling of trust that something good will happen.  Hope supports our dreams for the future.

The importance of hope in our lives is undeniable.  Erik Erikson, a famous developmental psychologist, said, “Hope is both the earliest and the most indispensable virtue inherent in the state of being alive.  If life is to be sustained, hope must remain, even where confidence is wounded, trust impaired.”

We, all at some time, find life’s circumstances, such as job problems, family conflicts, financial stress, or marital problems, working to destroy hope.  If we have lost hope because of struggling with life’s circumstances, can we find hope again?  Not an easy question.  If it were so easy to regain hope, many of us would not be searching so hard for it.  We have three places to look for help.

As we struggle to find hope, it is helpful to look to those around us for support.  One of my favorite readings is J.R.R Tolkin’s trilogy The Lord of the Rings.  In the final book, The Return of the King, the main character Frodo is losing the strength to complete his mission to destroy the ring.  As Frodo struggles to find the will to destroy the ring, his best friend Sam begs, “Then let us be rid of it… once and for all!  Come on, Mr. Frodo.  I can’t carry it for you… but I can carry you!”  

When you struggle, why try to handle it alone?  Get together with friends or family who are supportive in offering you positive support.  It may be tough but when your family or friends offer to help say YES!  Give them the privilege of helping rebuild hope.

Another famous psychologist, Albert Ellis, developed a technique called REBT.  His technique, basically, shows us how to change how we think, how to think in a more positive manner.

As Christian counselors, not only do we use secular means to help our clients but we also look for spiritual support.  Looking to God to provide hope doesn’t mean that storms will not come.  It means He has the power to provide hope during the storm.  Look at some of the examples in the Bible.  Joseph went from being the favored son, to slavery, to imprisonment, all the time maintaining hope for the future.  Ruth lost her husband, lived in a land that was in extreme famine, moved to another country, depending on her mother in law, all the time maintaining her hope for the future.  David, chosen by God to be the next King, finds himself eating bugs in a cave running for his life.  The Psalms are full of David asking God…  ok, what’s the plan, don’t really like my current situation, but he ends his Psalm praising God and looking with hope to the future.

Our part in restoring hope is to slow down and to look for hope.  Restored hope happens in many unpredictable ways: by allowing a friend to show their love, by praying with a relative, or by just enjoying God’s creation.  Change your play list to hope filled songs, get a book with uplifting stories (try the Chicken Soup series), or download an app to your phone that will send you a daily uplifting text.

You can restore your lost hope.  Even though happenings in your life may have worked to destroy your hope, renewed hope is possible.  At times, we all find ourselves wanting desperately to lose the weight that destroys our hope.  We think we have no energy left, and we have no idea which direction to take.  If you are at that point in your life, find someone who can help you find the joy in your life.  To restore your hope, look inward, outward, and upward.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  Isaiah 43:2

Cheryl Gowin and Dennis Gowin, Hope for Tomorrow Counseling Center.  Contact us with your feedback, comments, issues, or questions at 434-808-2637.