The Power of Hope

“Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.”

Psalms 16:9 (KJV)

I am sure you have heard the question, “Is the glass half full or half empty?” To be completely honest, I’ve always been more of a “it’s empty and dry” type of gal, a little more Eeyore than Winnie the Pooh. Hope was not on my radar. I believed it was for the elite few who were born naturally optimistic, and I was not one of them.

Being a pessimist in my early years served me well actually, as it kept my hope levels low, thus preventing me (or so I believed) from being hurt further. As I’ve grown older, it took a “coming to myself” moment, like `that of the prodigal son, to realize that what once shielded me from life’s blows had now morphed into a wall that prevented me from forming healthy relationships. This wall kept hope at bay and backed me into a self-imposed corner.

Hope is often viewed as a weakness for those who want to distance themselves from reality, but hope is rather a way of thinking or a state of mind. This means that hope is a behavior that can be learned and one that requires action on our part.

It is important to note the difference between optimism and hope. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, optimism means “the quality of being full of hope and emphasizing the good parts of a situation, or a belief that something good will happen” Optimism does not require anything from us, as some people tend to naturally be more optimistic. Having hope will require us to set goals for our lives, and to live with purpose, diligence, and perseverance as we pursue those goals. John Parsi, executive director of the Hope Center writes this “Optimistic people see the glass as half full, but hopeful people ask how they can fill the glass full.”

Optimistic people see the glass as half full, but hopeful people ask how they can fill the glass full.

John Parsi

Spiritually speaking, hope is a transformative weapon that God has given to us. Hope is the spark that allows you to wake each day knowing that God is faithful and walking alongside you. Hope is also the conduit to rest, as written in the above scripture. The phrase “shall rest” is translated as “to settle down, abide, dwell, establish” and “in hope” is translated as “security, safety” according to Blue Letter Bible.

Hope is the spark that allows you to wake each day knowing that God is faithful and walking alongside you.

Caitlin Walker

All these combined lead us to the conclusion that living hopefully allows us to rest safely in the hands of the One who is writing the story of our lives. Hope gives us the purpose required to function healthily in society, knowing full well our identity in Christ. We can dwell securely in His will for our lives, and with a hopeful mindset and set of behaviors, walk with purpose and God-given direction.

Living hopefully allows us to rest safely in the hands of the One who is writing the story of our lives.

Caitlin Walker

Hope is not a mystical feeling that will magically appear in moments of struggle but is a way of life. Take a pause today and search your heart for any barriers that have been erected in the name of self-preservation and protection. Allow hope to become your autopilot in not only moments of distress but also seasons of fruitfulness and blessing.