Where the Hopeless wander

"The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations

of the wicked come to nothing."

Proverbs 10:28

Hopelessness is defined as: a feeling or state of despair; lack of hope. Hope on the contrary is defined as: expectation of the good that is going to come. Depression may be experienced through the experiences of hopelessness. This is counteracted by hope. Hopelessness as a symptom of depression may challenge you to be comforted by the facts of life. Life in that moment may feel hopeless, however it being a state of despair, you may be able to alter that through the act of finding hope. This state of despair though, may be harder to get out of than you think. Hopelessness is the guide to wandering. And for each individual, the place it leads to is different. The goal, is to take notice and change direction sooner than later. Whether through self-awareness or through noticing this state in others. Hopelessness is visible. It is visible in people's responses to simple, daily tasks in their life. It is visible in the lack of recognizing "the good that is going to come." When these things are noticed, take action to find hope. Finding hope through gratitude and prayer. Remember that the sun does rise the next day, and you do not have to do anything to make sure that that happens.

One of the problems of hopelessness is that it may lead to helplessness. This becomes a learned behavior through the despair that no good is coming your way. You become fixated on the "lack of" rather than the "hope for." This becomes challenging because you may begin to lose the ability to recognize that anything can and will get better. As much as it can be learned, it can also be unlearned. Hope therefore, can be taught and learned.

Finding hope becomes the tool to manage this symptom of depression. The first place to look, may be in your relationship with Christ--and the Bible. The world may add to this hopelessness, through the expectations that some believe that they deserve or that they are promised. However, the world has proven to disappoint many and to disappoint time and time again. There is however, one place and one person that has not expressed disappointment. Him. Proverbs 10:28 (NLT) says "The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing." Living a life reflecting God, His word, His call for you, and His love leads to a life of hope and happiness. Two symptoms of depression that can be managed through Him.

Hope is also, found in prayer. Giving Him the expectations, and the despairs. Romans 12:12 (NLT) says, "Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying." Confident that even when hopelessness is present, there is something more to come. Patient that when times are hopeless He will come through. Devoted to praying in not only the times that are hopeless but also the times that hope is present.

Recalling the post on managing through depression by Engaging in your purpose, you find that depression is decreased when participating in activities that are more purposeful and rewarding. Hope is also found in this through knowing and accepting that He has a plan for your life. A statement of hope: "He has a plan for MY life." "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV).

Hope requires action. Seeking Him. Knowing that He does not disappoint. Knowing He follows through. Knowing He has a plan for you. When hopelessness is getting to you and you start wandering, and you are going towards a path that leads to "some place," make that place Him.

Scripture:

Proverbs 10:28

Romans 12:12

Jeremiah 29:11-13

Reflection:

Where do you wander when you feel hopeless?

What are the signs of hopelessness in your life?

What would it feel like to wander into the arms of God during these times?

What actions can you take now, to support your moments of hopelessness?

Prayer:

Lord, there are times that this world and its expectations lead me to a place of wandering and a place of hopelessness. I then am reminded through Your word to turn to You. Father God, I pray that as people experience moments of hopelessness that they find hope in You through Your word, Your promises, Your plan for each and every one of our lives. I am blessed each and every time that I open scripture to be reminded of Your plans for my life. Lord I pray that as I continue to follow this path You have set, that I can be a light of hope for others in their time of need. Father God, I pray this and for all people that they may find hope in You. Amen.