Years ago scientists conducted an experiment to see the effect hope has on those undergoing hardship. Two groups of laboratory rats were placed in separate tubs of water. Researchers left one set alone and discovered within an hour they had all drowned. The other rats were periodically lifted out of the water and then returned. When that happened, the second group of rats swam for over 24 hours.
Why?
Not because they were given rest breaks, but 
because they suddenly had hope! The rats somehow hoped that if they could stay afloat for just a little longer, someone would reach down and rescue them. If hope holds such power for unthinking rodents, how much greater should its effect be on our lives?[1]
The simple reality is we cannot live without hope.
Hope adds anticipation and joy to daily living. It often shows up in small, meaningful, personal ways, giving us something to look forward to, to “hope” for. Hope also serves as motivation to do the things we need to do, knowing that something more desirable lies head.
All day a young boy eagerly anticipates Dad coming home from work to throw the ball with him in the yard…
After a busy workweek a young man and his fiancé look forward to meeting for dinner on Friday evening…
An elderly woman living alone waits for her daughter to come and have lunch with her, the highlight of her day…
Without hope, life loses its zest and we lose our sense of purpose. Hope keeps us going, especially during difficult times. When something hoped for comes to pass, it is energizing and life-giving. When it doesn’t happen, it disappoints our hearts.
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. (Proverbs 13:12)
Each day we can bless the people around us by simply offering them a glimmer of hope through something we do or say.
Who can you extend the blessing of hope to today?
Copyright © 2014 Cheryl Elton
[1] Story told in Today in the Word, (Moody Bible Institute), May 1990, p. 34.
Dear Cheryl,
I am blessed by your postings on your blog. God bless you and keep you well!
Christopher Mulapwa
Zambia
Thank you, Christopher! Blessings to you and your family.
How true your words are in this blog post! I remember writing in my journal once, during a serious medical emergency, after I finally realized that I was probably going to pull through it. I was still in a lot of pain, and pretty messed up – but I had the hope of recovery. I wrote in my journal “It’s amazing how much pain you can cheerfully endure, as long as you know that things are eventually going to get better.”
Very true – thanks for sharing. Part 2 on Hope will explore what biblical hope means. Stay tuned!