I read this article called “The remarkable power of hope” from psychology today. In the article, the writer talked about this experiment that was conducted back in the 1950’s by the late John Hopkins College professor “Curt Richter.” This experiment was conducted to see the effect hope has on those undergoing hardship within a certain environment. Two sets of laboratory rats were placed in separate tubs of water. The researchers left one set in the water and found that within an hour they had all drowned. The other rats were periodically lifted out of the water and then returned them back to the water. When that happened, the second set of rats swam for over 24 hours and did not drown. Why? It was not because they were given a rest, nor was it about the controlled environment being better than that of the rats who died. They swam for 26 hours because they suddenly had hope! The researchers found out those animals somehow hoped that if they could stay afloat just a little longer, someone would reach down and rescue them. If hope holds such amazing power for unthinking rats, how much more important I hope to human beings. We all need hope to push forward in life, especially during the difficult times.
the sad thing is, there are many people in the world, in our community, and even among Church goers, who are living without hope in their lives. And the reason why I know this for sure, it’s because the bible says in Ephesians 2: 12, a life separated from Christ – a life without God in it – is a life without hope. And a life without hope is a life without motivation and encouragement to keep moving forward. Christian hope is not “wishful thinking.” it is the kind of hope that is not based on human knowledge nor expectations, it is the kind of hope that is deeply rooted in the word of God. Paul says in Romans 5: 5 that hope does not disappoint. when your hope is in Jesus you will never be embarrassed. Doctors can give false hope, lawyers can give false hope, government can certainly give false hope, friends and family members can give false hope, but when God makes a promise you can take it to the bank because He is good for it. Hope is the anchor of our soul (Hebrews 6: 13 – 19)
Love you all,
Donny Pierre