In discussing any problem, the focus of attention should eventually gravitate
towards the solution, rather than remaining on the problem.  In the discussion
of grief and depression, hope is the beginning of the solution.  The amount of
hope we have, directly affects our capacity for change and healing.

The best way to start is to learn what hope is not.
What hope is NOT:

Hope is real.  Hope is not wishful thinking.  Wishful thinking can feel very "real,"
but it is possible that the wish is not based upon truth.  In other words, we can
really "wish" that something or other would happen, but the truth is that it never
will.  It's an unrealistic wish.  Wishful thinking can even sometimes go so far as to
deny reality.  Denying reality can keep us in bondage to the situation for a longer
period of time.

Hope is also not manipulating God's Word to line up with what we want.  It is
critical to believe and stand on God's written and rhema word, no matter what our
circumstances appear to be like.  But it is well known that we can find a Scripture
to back up just about any point we want to make.  And as important as faith is, it is
just as important not to manipulate God's Word to fit our circumstances.  
What hope IS:

Hope is a firm assurance of things that are unseen and still in the future.  Hope
is the "anchor" of our soul.  It causes us to go in one direction or another in our
lives.

Hope is also a choice.  It's an option.  We don't have to respond to hope, but we
can if we want to.  There are many things in life over which we have no control.  
But the truth is that we do have control over how we respond to those things.  
This may be hard to believe because our reactions to things we are faced with
sometimes come so quickly that we don't even realize they are there until we
have already acted on them.  But through time and effort, we can begin to learn
to control our immediate reactions.  Just as bad habits can be learned, so can
good habits.  We do have the ability to choose hope!!

Choosing hope helps create possibilities and alternatives, thereby helping to
create change.  Choosing hope can even help us learn to accept what cannot
be changed.  And that in itself, is a change for the better.
Hope is "planted" within EACH ONE OF US by God as he creates us.  God plants
greatness in our hearts ~ hopes, dreams, direction.  If you don't believe this, just
ask a little child what s/he wants to be when s/he grows up.  It will always be
something positive.  

However, questions are valid.  In his suffering, Job contended with God.  In fact,
Job was pretty honest and blunt with God.  And some of the same questions Job
had, are valid and real for us today.  Man continues to search for a loving and
merciful God.  And it is only in the very existence of God that we can find meaning
and purpose in and through tragedy.  The answer ... the solution ... lies in Him.
Click here for next study:

The Power of Choice
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Gentle Springs of Hope
hope
By: JANE E. HARBER, LBT
Scripture References
to study:

Psalm 71: 20, 21
Psalm 23; 2
Romans 8: 24, 25
Romans 15: 13
Psalm 27: 13
Psalm 22: 9
Hebrews 11: 1
Hebrews 6: 19
Romans 5: 3 - 5
Isaiah 40: 29
Lamantations 3: 32 & 33
Exodus 15: 26
Hebrews 4: 15
James 1: 17
II Corinthians 1: 3
Luke 12: 7
Questions for Contemplation


1. How do you feel about this statement: "We need hope
as much as we need air to breathe."

2. What can a grieving person learn from Psalm 22?  
Psalm 102?  Other Psalms?