I’m usually a glass half-empty kind of gal. At least I was for a long time. I figured that if I expected disappointment then nothing could actually disappoint me. Right?

Truth be told, living with a “half-empty” mindset is a bit like looking for something green in a game of “I Spy” when all you can see is blue. You’ll find a lot of blue things—despair, fear, sadness—but you won’t be able to see all the beautiful shades of green—joy, hope, promise—if you’re not looking for it.

Living with a negative, “realistic” outlook keeps us in a state of fear and despair. It robs us of fully experiencing all the good that God is pouring out on us. It throws a wet blanket on our experience. It dampens anything that might raise our weary spirit to look up and excitedly look ahead. Negativity is a spiral in our mind that ends up putting God in a box.

Since we don’t know what the future holds, it’s easy to fall prey to fear and anxiety. But never forget—we also know WHO holds the future. To be hopeful, always hopeful, is biblical.

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1ESV, emphasis added). To have faith is to hope. You may not always feel like it—and yes, it’s hard to practice—especially during hard times and bad events.

 

When life seems to be headed every way but in a positive direction, here are three strategies to practice that will help you maintain hope.

Gratitude

Focus on the good and approach the Lord with a heart of gratitude. Thank God for His blessings. Especially in this Thanksgiving season, we remind ourselves of all that God has given us. Count your blessings, all that you do have in this moment. Express your gratitude.

Remember

So many of the Psalms recite what God had done for His people. They wrote songs to remember and praise Him. Look back through your own life and remember. He is the same God now as then. He will come through again and again. Remember and rely on His faithfulness.

Believe

I know at times that’s easier said than done. But it is possible to train your gaze to see that glass half-full rather than half-empty. Choose again to believe.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT).

We must take God at His Word, trusting in His timing and believing that He is working through even the worst of circumstances.

Let’s thank God, even as we wait! For the miracle before it happens. For the prodigal to return home. For the healing. For the financial provision. He is Lord above all. Hold tight to hope. He will always come through!