In the movie Bridge of Spies, James B. Donovan looks at Rudolf Abel and says, “Are you worried?” Abel responds with “Will it help?” Life has a way of pushing our buttons. We often feel as though we can literally do no more. Our schedules become full, our bank account diminishes, and just when we feel like we have caught up sickness or disaster strikes. Life really can make us feel as though we have absolutely no hope.
Hope is a funny word to me. It brings so much peace but also conflict. If people only knew how much I had on my plate or appreciated me more then I would have hope. If I came home and only saw uplifting and positive moments on the television screen then I would have hope. If people really loved and showed up for each other then I would have hope. When I feel like I have no hope that’s when I worry. What if things never get better? What if I cannot get all my commitments accomplished? What if I run out of money? What if this is all there is? The worry sets in.
If all my circumstances tell me that I have no hope does that have to be my reality? If I am compelled by worry and hopelessness am I living my full potential? Am I changing my circumstances? Am I loving the unlovable? The answer is no. I have come to the realization that my hope is found not in my circumstances or the people around me or even myself. I find my hope in the One who has always freely given me His love and continues to fight for me.
“Are you worried?” Yes, I am. “Will it help?” No. What can I do then? I will choose to believe that the true hope of the world is here with me. I will choose to love.