HOPELESSNESS

Hopelessness is a state of despair. It is an emotion characterized by a lack of passion, optimism, and hope. There’s nothing so encouraging as having hope. Hope gives us assurance of better days, better life, and better opportunities. In life, we go through very difficult moments. Some come and go so fast while others take days, months, and even years. Sometimes these challenges are prolonged and they seem part of us. We get used to the situation forgetting that they are meant to pass away. The Bible says that in this life we will go through trials but, Jesus encourages us to take heart because He has overcome the world. We are assured that life is not going to be a walk in the park. We will go through hard times from time to time, but that is not the end, there is hope that we shall overcome.

Hopelessness creeps in when you don’t have any assurance of getting through any storms. When we lose hope for better days and focus on the current situation, negative thoughts settle in our minds. Little by little anxiety and depression begin to settle in. We look for ways to get through the pain, by avoiding people. Others try to numb the pain through drugs and other temporary pain relievers, only to find the storms still staring at them.

Hopelessness is the leading cause of suicide. People feel that they cannot go on another day in that condition and just decide to end their lives because they have no hope of things ever getting better. Without hope, we settle for less in life. We get into the wrong deals and enter into bad relationships. Hopelessness affects also our grieving. The word of God says that we should not grieve like those who have no hope. For we have hope to be reunited with our loved ones in eternity.

Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the substance of things not seen. Faith and hope go together. We should have faith for better days and have hope that every storm shall pass away. Jesus Christ in us is the hope of glory. With Christ, we have hope for eternal life. We are assured that our suffering is only momentary and is achieving for us immeasurable glory that will last forever.

Finally, remember that nothing catches God by surprise. He allows us to go through trials and challenges for a purpose. He promises that everything shall work out for our good according to His purpose because we love God. We should learn from every challenge and allow it to make us better. Always remember that just like passing clouds, this too shall pass. Nothing is permanent except God, His word, and His promises. Fix your eyes on God and never lose hope. Encourage yourself with God’s word. Hold on to His promises. Look yourself in the mirror every day and remind yourself that “THIS TOO SHALL PASS”.