Hope is a game Changer

I would like to address a crucial topic - the power of hope, particularly in these challenging times where pessimism and despair seem to reign supreme among so many people of different age groups.

Mar 29, 2023 - 17:57 Updated: Mar 29, 2023 - 18:50

As human beings, we are configured to seek meaning and purpose in our lives, to strive towards a better future, and to find hope in the face of adversity. This wiring is what teaches us that we are here for a cause greater than just survival and that is why we bear the hope of improving our life whether we can consciously or subconsciously notice this.

However, recent events in the world have made it difficult for many of us to maintain this hopeful outlook. The aftermath of the pandemic, the political unrest, economic uncertainty, and social divisions in many places we live have left many feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and helpless.

Furthermore, for those who have put their faith in God, these crises can be particularly challenging. Sometimes, there are those tempted to as ask, "Where is God in all of this? Why is he allowing these things to happen?" It's understandable to feel frustrated and angry when our expectations of God and his intervention in the world are not met but one truth is that God is not impulsive and so, he cannot override our freedom to choose. If we do not let Him in to participate in the affairs of our lives or nations, to blame Him for the eventual events is hypocritical. In fact, even our faith in God is effectual when we add hope to it and this hope cannot fail us.

Nevertheless, I want to suggest that even in the midst of these crises, hope remains a potent force that can help us weather the storms of life. Hope is not just a vague wish or a sentimental feeling; it is a way of orienting ourselves towards the future with purpose and determination. Hope gives us the strength to endure difficulties and the resilience to bounce back from setbacks.

Hope not only improves our mental and physical health by giving us a positive outlook and making us less prone to depression, anxiety, and stress but also creates better physical health outcomes, including lower rates of chronic illness and better recovery from injury and illness. Worry on the other hand only weakens our overall health because no one's health improves by worrying.

Hope can increase our motivation and productivity. When we believe that there is a brighter future ahead, we are more likely to take action towards our goals and persist in the face of obstacles. This applies to both personal and societal goals - when we have hope for a better world, we are more likely to work towards creating positive change.

Finally, hope can foster a sense of connection and belonging. When we share a hopeful vision for the future, we are more likely to come together with others and work towards a common goal. This can be particularly important in times of division and strife, as hope can be a unifying force that brings us together.