Hope Vs. Hopelessness

I did a simple internet search and came away with the following definitions for hope and hopelessness:

HOPE

1. want or expect something: to have a wish to get or do something or for something to happen or be true, especially something that seems possible or likely
2. confident desire: a feeling that something desirable is likely to happen

HOPE·LESS

1. with no hope of success: unable to succeed or improve, or unable to be resolved, helped, or cured
2. despairing: feeling or showing no hope

Again, this was a simple internet search to help establish a baseline definition for the two words.  In life we are faced with many challenges, some can fuel our hope as we work our way through them and without fail there are those which can leave us feeling hopeless.

In life, I have found that hope and faith are joined together or should be joined together.  If an event/situation is allowed to take our hope and rob of us of the expectation that something will happen - well, then we are left with HOPELESSNESS.  Once hopelessness settles in and establishes residence, this is usually an indication that our faith has been lost.

Why is this so important one might ask, Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV) tells us, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."  This I believe that the two (Faith and Hope) are tied together.  Well this is nice and all, but what can one do if they find themselves hopeless?  I'm glad you asked!

First off, I realize that there are some challenging situations that can leave one feeling hopeless - a terminal disease, loss of a loved one, illness, physical impairments, etc...  I am not saying that everything is soo easy to simply 'push past' and act as if it doesn't exist - that would be silly of me to suggest.

I will suggest the first place to begin to overcome hopelessness - is in your mind.  When I have found myself in situations I thought to be hopeless I began to tell myself the truth!  It is a TOUGH place to be, but that does not make it hopeless.

Second, I try to do things (even if those things are only mental) that make me active and get me to see that the world is not such a bad place.

Third, I try to surround myself with individuals who truly care about me and are encouraging and doing positive things with their own lives.  This can include finding a support group, even if it is an online group.

Fourth, I think about things that are going right and are positive in my life.

Fifth, Remember I have to LOVE myself in order to find something to believe in!

Psalms 31:24 "Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the Lord."

Blessings,
-d