I recently won a book about the science of hope at a training I was attending. Several interesting conversations sprang up around this topic. The one that really caught my attention was, “what is your level of hope?” It was thought-provoking to hear others’ beliefs and opinions. The group I was with began to consider where each of us was regarding our level of hope and unofficially rating those levels. They rated my level of hope as 95%.
This score was considerably higher than they rated themselves or others. I began to wonder why. I am an optimistic person and typically full of hope. Hope is more than just a positive outlook on life and the various situations we find ourselves in. Hope is essential to our wellbeing.
I began to ponder the idea of how to raise our level of hope. What do we do if we notice our hope is fading away? How do we get more hope or hold onto hope. We know from scripture (and science backs it up) when hope is gone, it is overwhelming- it crushes us.
“When hope is crushed, the heart is crushed, but a wish* come true fills you with joy.” (*Wish: desire, longing)
Proverbs 13:12 (GNT)
What is Hope?
Let’s back up a minute and define hope. The Hebrew word is tôwcheleth, meaning expectation. Webster defines hope, to cherish a desire with anticipation: to want something to happen or be true: to desire with expectation of obtainment or fulfillment: to expect with confidence.
Now we know what hope is and we know we need it, how do we get it. I believe the answer can be found in Philippians.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (KJV)
Philippians 4:8
We have to discipline ourselves to think, dwell on, and meditate on the things that meet the criteria set forth in this verse. Think about what happens when we start dwelling on the political climate, the news reports, difficult situations, lack of finances, stressful jobs, etc.? Hope is drained from us. All of a sudden, all we can see is doom and gloom. Please hear me, I am not saying to never watch the news or ignore what is happening around you. What I am saying is it cannot monopolize our time, thinking, energy, and resources.
Think On These Things
Let me share with you some things to think about or dwell on that will produce hope in your heart. (Make these personal. These scriptures are just a beginning of what God says about you.)
I have been forgiven. Jesus paid my debt in full. John 3:16
I am more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ. Romans 8:37
God causes all things to work for my good and for His glory. Romans 8:28-29
Nothing can separate me from the love of God. Romans 8:38-39
I am part of His chosen generation, royal priesthood, holy nation, His own special people. 1 Peter 2:9
The Father has good plans for me. Jeremiah 29:11
Jesus prays for me. John 17:20-23, Romans 8:34
The Holy Spirit prays for me. Romans 8:26-27
Jesus has gone to prepare a place for me in His Father’s house. John 14:2-3
The Word of God is full of hope!
We must make a choice to dwell on what His Word says; as we do, hope will arise in our hearts.
Let HOPE arise!
Written by Collette Sawyer
