Have you ever felt hopeless? Several years ago, I experienced depression. The dark cloud was palpable. I felt hopeless. While I knew certain truths that should have lifted me out of that experience, I could not apply those truths successfully. With help I got well. Unfortunately that is not true for everyone with depression.
Whether or not we suffer from depression, one thing is true. We all long for hope!
- I saw on social media that @YoYo_Ma is teaming up with pianist Kathryn Stott for a concert, Songs of Comfort and Hope (November 2020).
- A friend wrote a book, A Thrill of Hope. She has been telling folks about it this month.
- Even a news syndicate published an article just this week – 10 books that will fill you with hope about the future
- All of us in our ordinary conversation have expressed the words, “I hope … this or that” – especially with regards to the pandemic or the election!
But what is hope?
Lexico defines hope as a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.
Bible.org defines explains that “hope in Scripture means ‘a strong and confident expectation.’ Though archaic today in modern terms, hope is akin to trust and a confident expectation.”
How then can we nurture hope? Here are just a few ways …
- Remember the source of our hope – secured in the resurrection of Jesus Christ & soak up the Word of life (1 Peter 1:3-9)
- Remember that “a table set with kindness is where you taste real hope.” (from Ann Voskamp post 11/4/2020)
- Feed your soul with music (from Emily P Freeman “New Music to Feed Your Soul)
- Nurture friendships (Mayo Clinic Enrich your life and improve your health)
- Practice “forest bathing” – LOL, no not washing, but enjoying time in nature (What is forest bathing from Elana’s Pantry)
Even as I get ready to publish this post, our country declares a new president. Interesting to me that a favorite author, Scotty Smith, writes in his prayer today about a “restless hopefulness.” Such a great reminder of the source of our hope!
… conflicting emotions fill our hearts. Restless-hopefulness is one of them. Because you have promised to fill the earth with your glory one Day, we have deep hope. Your entire creation, and your every-nation family, are destined for consummate healing and an eternity of perfect everything …
Prayer, Scotty Smith, Nov 8, 2020
My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
~Edward Mote
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.
Because … I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. (2 Timothy 1:12)
