“Be joyful in hope”- Romans 12:12

When asked, at the end of his career, what great lessons he had learned from history, the great American historian Charles Beard answered, “I’ve learned four:

First – whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad with power.
Second- the mills of God grind slowly, yet they grind exceedingly fine
Third- the bee fertilizes the flower it robs.
Fourth- only when it’s dark are you able to see the stars.”


Charles Beard was a hope-a-holic. So am I. I have an incurable, instinctive, impulsive tendency to surrender to hope. I know yesterday is a cancelled check. Today is cash in hand to spend as I want. And tomorrow is a promissory note from God almighty.
This hope will not disappoint. Our “hopes” may not all be fulfilled, but hope is its own immediate reward; it offers us the gift of unceasing optimism.

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Think about all the things in your life that give you a sense of hope. Next time you’re feeling discouraged or disappointed, read through your hope list and you’ll find renewed optimism.