“Hope is faith waiting for tomorrow”, as John Ortberg wrote in Faith and Doubt. At present, the world is waiting for creative scientists to develop tests, treatments, and even preventative vaccines for a virus that is causing world-wide turmoil. The church is expectantly waiting for the return of Christ hoping for a revival of faith in the world.
Meditate on Rom.8:18-25
Embrace a positive mindset. Whatever negative experiences we are going through, an optimistic mindset can help us see the positive parts of our lives as well. Hope can lead to gratitude and happiness. Samuel Johnson wrote “Hope is itself a species of happiness, and, perhaps, the chief happiness which this world affords.”
Meditate on II Thessalonians 2:16-17; Romans 15:13; Jeremiah 29:11
Seek models of hope. Healthy relationships with others who are optimistic in their approach to life can influence you toward a more hopeful attitude. Hope is contagious. Build those relationships.
Meditate on I Corinthians 11:1; Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13; Hebrews 12:1-3
Professional help. If you find yourself stuck in a mindset with no hope, seek professional help from clergy or a mental health professional. They can help you identify unhealthy thought patterns resulting in low self-esteem, unresolved grief issues, and chronic depression, among other things.
Meditate on Proverbs 11:14; Ephesians 4:11-13;; Proverbs 24:5-6
Ronald S. Newman, Ph.D. is a psychologist in Mays Landing, NJ who now does teletherapy in NJ. He can be reached by phone at: 609-567-9022. Hammonton Gazette has first rights to publish, May 2020.
Photo by cru.org
Dr. Ron Newman 