Almost every day I come across people who look like they have lost hope. Their faces are downcast and they shuffle their feet as they walk. They generally avert their eyes as someone approaches. Sometimes they spend their time sitting on a bench alone.
I often wonder what circumstances brought them to this place in their lives. Was it bad choices they made? Or could it have been events out of their control?
Then I begin to ask the tougher questions. What can I do to help them? Is there something that I can do to restore hope in their lives? I have done some small things to help, but generally nothing that would bring lasting hope.
I have lived in communities of people without hope. In my own small ways I have helped them find some hope. When a person gathers hope, their whole countenance changes. Suddenly a smile graces their face and they stand up straighter. There is a bounce in their steps. It is worth the effort to help bring hope to others.
My prayer for you and I today is; “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13
Reluctant Retiree 