Hope is an invaluable asset given to us by God to assist us on our journey. It is like the light of Earendil, given by Galadriel to Frodo in the Lord of the Rings. “Our most beloved star: May it be a light for you in dark places, when all other lights go out.” Hope is not wishing on a star, but putting our trust in Someone, realizing that we are loved and known.
Holding on to hope, trusting God in times of trials is very difficult for us to do. We instead run off to the future, imagining a dozen different scenarios, none of which are good. We mistakenly move from the present moment, the very place which holds the grace of God. The grace that is given to us during those times is called “actual” grace, because we receive it when we actually need it and not a moment before. So staying in the present moment is essential, if we want to keep our heads above water and not sink into despair.
The Catechism tells us: Hope is the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and our eternal happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit. Hope keeps man from discouragement; it sustains him during times of abandonment; it opens up his heart in expectation for eternal beatitude. Buoyed up by hope, he is preserved from selfishness and led to the happiness that flows from charity. (CCC 1817-18).
Relying on the help of God while reminding ourselves, “that all things work for good for those who love God (Rm. 8 vs. 28), is helpful when we are tempted to lose hope. Calling to mind situations which caused us great concern or worry, that were resolved in a bountiful manner, will undoubtedly fill us with hope. Keeping our eyes on our eternal destiny while remembering St. Paul’s words, “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are nothing compared to the glory to be revealed to us. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance (Rm. 8 vs. 18, 24-25). “We boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us (Rm. 5 vs. 2b. – 5).
If our good God has allowed this situation in our lives to happen, we must hold fast to hope that He will sustain us. We must believe that we can only see a bit of the entire picture which, in the end, will bring glory to God and joy to our hearts. We may not always see this truth, but it is one of God’s promises. In the meantime, He is pouring out the necessary graces to help us overcome our feelings as grow in virtue and trust.
We must be open not only to receiving the graces, but our actions must reflect this gift. Returning to the present moment when we are experiencing a time of distress is the first step to walk in hope. God is there offering His help. He is holding out His hand to take our burdens and concerns. Give them to Him and in return, receive the virtue of hope. It will keep you from discouragement, sustain you during times of abandonment and open your heart to the eternal beatitude when all seems lost.
“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe! Plans to give you a future full of hope. When you call Me, when you go to pray to Me, I will listen to you. When you look for Me, you will find Me. Yes, when you seek Me with all your heart, you will find Me with you, says the Lord, and I will change your lot; I will gather you together from all the nations and all the places to which I have banished you, says the Lord, and bring you back to the place from which I have exiled you” (Jer. 29 vs. 11-15).
Such comforting words Avia Joy! We are so fortunate to have a God who loves us and extends His loving hand to guide us on our way and help us up when we fall!
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