“Well, you know we have the hope that we will see him again” said the 1 millionth person after Connor died.

I have heard this phrase most of my life. I’ve even said it to a lot of people myself. I can tell you from experience that you never realize what hope really is until it’s all you have.

But what exactly is this “hope” we speak of? In today’s world, the word hope is often used to represent wishful thinking. Hoping for the best. Sort of like a child with their eyes closed, blowing out birthday candles, wishing they get that present they’ve been wanting. It is often hinted at with uncertainty.

But you see hope is not vain nor wishful thinking. Hope is not a feeling. Hope is not an emotion. It is not “fingers crossed” way of thinking.

When I lost Connor last year, all hope was lost. I knew he was in heaven, no doubt about it. But what was the point in going on? It made no sense to continue without my son. Life wasn’t worth it to me. But it was in those moments of grief and despair when the sweet, sweet presence of the Lord made true hope known to me.

Hope is a state of mind. It is a confident expectation that God will meet all our needs, both present and future. Our hope is based on who God is alone. Not on the circumstances, not what the world says, not what science says, it is based on God alone.

“This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.” Hebrews 6:19

Hope sustains through the challenges of life. I know because I’ve been there. And more than likely, so have you. My hope is based upon the promises of God. I trust that God alone will sustain me.

Back to the child blowing out their birthday candles. Their tiny little hearts have their hope set on the “perfect” gift. So, what happens when it’s not what they hoped for. Disappointment. There is no disappointment with God. When our hope is in Him, it doesn’t matter about the outcome. It is the confident, expectant trust that God will fulfill His promises to us, whatever it looks like.

Hope has taught me to take a different approach to suffering. When grief strikes, I have that sweet reminder that heaven awaits with my sweet Connor first in line! And oh, what a glorious day that will be!

“That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So, we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Hope has taught me to live with intention. The bible tells me that I was created for good works.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10

God created each of us to complete specific assignments based on our individual gifts and talents. He uses our challenges; the good, the bad and the ugly, to do great works.

My prayer is that my journey of finding hope in despair will help you to find true hope in the Lord.