The Catechism of the Catholic Church on Hope
Before my conversion, I was quick to view life through a pessimistic lens and jump to the worst conclusions. I had been repeatedly disappointed by my broken family and throughout past relationships until I became an angry person. Ten minutes of reading the news made me lose hope in humanity and cause a downward spiral into darkness.
When I met my husband, I was struck by his ability to focus on the good in people and put a positive spin on each situation. He was confident and strong, but it wasn’t arrogance. It was confidence in Jesus and His love for us. Even in moments of sadness or uncertainty, he didn’t fall into despair because he had hope in what God promises—that His plans are good for us, not to harm us. They are plans to give you hope and a future (see Jeremiah 29:11).
It is okay to feel sadness, anger, worry, and doubt. We are human, and our emotions are not inherently bad. But I don’t believe God wants us to stay in the darkness. When we can shift our dispositions from wanting or expecting a certain outcome (hope in ourselves), to believing that God will keep His promises to us (hope in Him), we can handle whatever life throws at us! When we know Who God is, we know that hope will not disappoint.
You may have had people in your life who “got your hopes up” and you were left feeling disappointed and even deceived. But as you get to know the Heart of God and grow deeper in your trust in Him, I pray that you will see that He has a great gift of grace for you—the virtue of hope. And though we are imperfect people, we know He never betrays or abandons us. God will not just “get your hopes up” only to let you down. Having hope in Him will give you eternal happiness.
Let Us Pray
Father, You are trustworthy. We know and we declare that You never make promises You don't keep and that You are the One Who will never let us down. Our ultimate happiness lies in relationship with You—both now and for eternity. May this be the source and direction of our hopes and desires. Amen!
For Discussion
Think of moments in your life when you got your hopes up only to be disappointed. Did that experience color your view of the Father? How so?
How can you "get your hopes up" today in regards to your happiness in the Lord? What would that shift look like in your mind and heart?
They That Hope: The 2022 Prayer Pledge // Day 12 #BISblog #prayerpledge //Click to tweet
Maggie Kim is a wife and mother to 4 kiddos. She became a Catholic convert in 2013 after discovering her love for the Eucharist, Sacred Tradition, and the powerful intercessory prayers of the Saints. As a registered nurse, she has a passion for fertility awareness, the pro-life movement, and anything else related to mothers and babies. In her free time, she likes to read thriller novels, eat desserts, and watch movies with a strong cup of coffee. Her husband, Paul, is a Catholic speaker so she understands the ups and downs of ministry life but loves being able to serve in this God-given mission alongside her family. You can find out more about her here.
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