Hope-Filled

An often quoted scripture passage is First Corinthians 13:13, “There are three things that last, faith, hope and love, and the greatest of these is love.” Yes – love endures forever, but how often do we just skip over “hope” without a second thought.

Webster defines hope as, “to want something to happen or be true, and to think that it could happen or be true.” Now hope – is far more than just “‘wishful thinking.” In fact, Webster’s definition of hope sounds more like optimism. Optimism expects the best but doesn’t necessarily provide any critical thinking about how to arrive at an improved future. Hope, however, is far more active.

In his book “The Psychology of Hope”, C.R. Snyder, proposes that hope involves both mental energy (willpower), and effective ways to achieve that goal (way power).

His approach reminds me of the quote: “Biblical hope is not an escape from reality or from problems. It doesn’t leave us idle, drifting or just rocking on the front porch. If our hope is Biblical and based on God’s promises – it will put us in gear.”

So as you look again at your calling to be light to the world, and salt for the earth, what are your specific goals? What are you hoping for regarding present cultural trends, social mores, economic strategies, educational conditions, etc.? What is your level of will power and way power? Vaclav Havel says, “Hope is the deep orientation of the human soul that can be held at the darkest times.”    

How are you spreading hope in your family, your current circle of friends, and your environment? Does God’s love motivate you to have hopeful goals and to act more hopefully?  Blessings as you continue to radiate that love which endures forever while you live a hope-filled active life today. - Jackie F.