A child may see and experience a trial in life and still have hope for a better tomorrow. But, for most adults I know, to experience trial upon trial without end, heed to a point of hopelessness. This feeling leads to other emotions, such as sadness, anger, and bitterness. However, there is a way out of the vicious cycle of hopelessness!
To change your own viewpoint requires three things: faith, hope, and love. The first “life” raft in conquering hopelessness is acknowledging and accepting the need for faith. As humans, we have been designed to fill the empty spaces in our hearts through faith. Faith is the starting point of reaching beyond our humanistic limits of what we can see, feel, hear, touch, and control. It is the realm of the spiritual, where Creator and creation meet. It is the beginning of a journey toward spiritual awakening and fulfillment in a personal relationship with God.
The second “life” raft in conquering hopelessness is embracing the hope of your faith. Having faith is the very foundation of changing your life in every aspect; having Hope is the outcome of exercising your faith. Hope is not merely a by-product of faith, but it is also the fuel that drives the flames of faith to ignite in others. Hope is contagious. Hope is believing in something that you cannot see, you cannot control, and yet you have full confidence in your future. Hope is also knowing that you are not alone, and that you are loved.
The third and most visible “life” raft in conquering hopelessness is love. Most people can recognize and accept love. We have experienced one of the four forms of love at some point in our lives. As babies, our parents would shower the child with unconditional love. Giving kisses, hugs, bonding, and gentle care to a helpless baby shows that form of love. A parent will love a child regardless of looks, temperament, or attitude. Unconditional love is just that: showing love without any conditions. Another form of love is called brotherly love. “Philadelphia” comes from the root word “philos.” Brotherly love is a form of loving others in our sphere of influence. It is compassion toward a friend or family member, and it is the bond that keeps communities close, keeping neighbors at peace, and keeping hope alive among friends. I won’t mention the other type of love at this point, but it is important for keeping the union of marriage alive and healthy. Of course, having a strong bond of love between a husband and wife increases the hope in sustaining the marriage.
There are so many people I know who are facing a “hopeless end” at this point in their lives. They don’t know how to face tomorrow. With the recent tornadoes in Alabama and across the South, to the daily destruction of families through agonizing separation or divorce, life on earth can feel so hopeless. But, I wanted to share with you that you can face today with strength! You can face tomorrow with hope! You are not alone, and there is someone nearby who can share your burden. The Bible says to “cast your cares upon him, for he cares for you.” We can go to God and cast our burdens on him. It also says, “there is nothing new under the sun.” That phrase is so true. Even though your trials may be new to you, they are not new to God. And, there are other people who have gone through what you are going through right now.
I have chosen to believe that I cannot control the things in my life. Sure, I can plan my life to make it run smoothly. But, there will always be outside forces that I cannot control, and these forces will change the course of my life. So, I have to live by faith so that I can live in peace. I have turned my viewpoint from a hopeless end to having an endless hope. I hope you will, too. Blessings to all who read this and find encouragement.
Becoming Process Driven 