While writing this article I am overwhelmed with a sense of despair. I'm
sure each reader can relate to this feeling, because most people go
through a time where they are despondent and have lost the vigor that
having a sense of hope brings. I know the feeling of being lost all too
well; in fact, I'm going through such a time right now. Most of my needs
are being met, so it's not a monetary issue, I haven't lost a loved one,
and I haven't suffered some major tragedy causing me pain, so there is
something deeper inside going on.
The emotions of hopelessness
are extremely powerful-bringing down even the sturdiest of individuals,
and can lead to severe depression and sometimes even thoughts of
suicide. Everyone needs hope and love. Our society is such that there is
no time for real connection to other people; therefore it doesn't allow
for that need of security and hope-filled emotion to permeate each
individual. People are always on the move with work, social events,
family dealings, and so on; leaving no room for real close intimacy. It
is my belief that society needs a hope revolution!
So where is
hope truly found? People find hope in various arenas like appearance,
money, classy cars, high-level careers etc; however, most come up empty.
The search for hope and security can be a never-ending cycle; leaving
its victim sad, lonely, and empty. I think it's time to re-evaluate the
source of our hope. This article isn't meant to be some bible-beating
sermon telling every reader to just trust in God. I respect each
individual and their belief system; however from my standpoint: God is
my only hope. I am going through one of the roughest times in my life,
my hope-meter is in the red, and I realize something must be done. I
have tried so many things to make life better, but I continually come
back to ground zero, probably like many of you reading this.
God
continually encourages us to lean on Him and cast our cares on Him;
which can sometimes be almost impossible. God is invisible, and you
cannot just run up to him, with open arms, and be comforted. God will
comfort us, but we have to entrust Him to do so. It's simple to trust a
friends comfort and consolation, because they are flesh and
blood-sitting right in front of us; however it's not so easy to trust in
an invisible creator who supposedly cares for us.
God is so many
things, but my favorite attribute of His is hope. He longs to bring His
children hope and a future, but you must trust by faith that this is so.
Like I said before, right now I am enduring pain and heartache that
nobody would even comprehend, but I am continually placing my faith in
God and His hope. It's not easy, and I struggle minute by minute looking
for a way out; however I know He is there and is bringing me a brighter
future.
I challenge you, the reader, to trust in God with all
your heart. Each person's way of trusting God will be different, but it
still shows a willingness to believe God is helping even though things
are hard. Hope will come in due time; however you must be patient and
keep your eyes wide-opened to Gods way of delivering His gift of hope. I
encourage each reader to hold their head up high, because God has not
forgotten you, and hope is around the corner...
Rob Price