Hope is belief in a
brighter tomorrow—no matter what you’re going through now.
It’s hard to
accept that our lives will improve when we keep getting pushed down by circumstances.
Present trauma tell us, “Be realistic; this is good as it gets.” We may not
know what it’s like to feel healthy, happy, or loved.
Believe me,
I know that feeling well! During my lifetime, I have struggled for absolutely everything
except money. If I were a Marvel Comics superhero, I would be called “Endurance
Lady”. I would defeat the bad guys simply by patiently surviving their
attacks. My label would be, “The Last
One Standing”.
Most
superheroes rise from a background of battles. The Incredible Hulk was born
from a science experiment gone wrong. Spiderman and Batman were created out of
fateful encounters with animals. What do such stories teach us? The past does not have to define the
future. Today’s struggle will become tomorrow’s strength.
What is Hope?
Merriam-Webster
Online Dictionary calls it “a desire accompanied by expectation of, or belief
in, fulfillment.” Other sources mention the following:
- Trust
- Desire
- Expectation
- Endurance
Methods for Achieving Hope
1. Practice mindfulness (living in the moment)…Certain activities can keep us
engaged in the present and make us forget our worries. This varies with the
person. It could be art, writing, gaming, music, or any other hobby.
2. Talk victory instead of defeat…Turn off the negative chatter in your head. Speak and think
positive statements. “I can do all things in Christ,” (Philippians 4:13) is a
good example.
3. Have gratitude…No
matter how much is wrong in our lives, there is always something for which to
be thankful. For instance, I have narrowly avoided automobile accidents about
four times in the past week.
4. Give yourself doses of positivity...This is an excellent cure for what ails the mind and body.
If we make the choice to read, or listen to, optimism, we will brighten our
minds and souls.
5. Recognize how close you are to victory…The most difficult time of childbirth is near the end.
Once the mother starts pushing hard, the baby will be born in minutes.
6. Look beyond your feelings…(Look to God, not your circumstances.) Constant challenges
speak negativity. God speaks positivity. He tells us trials are only temporary.
If this entire life is full of trauma for us, we can still anticipate going to
Heaven.
7.
See the long-range picture…Don’t have narrow vision that doesn’t
allow you to see past today’s battles. Many of us have achieved triumphs after lengthy
struggles in the past, and we will continue to do so.
My Conclusion
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”—Romans
12:12 (NIV)
It’s easy to
bury our dreams, or to even forget what optimism feels like. That’s why we must
continually refresh our supply of hope however we can.
Related Posts
Have you filled up your tank of hope
today?
No comments:
Post a Comment