Hope Springs Eternal

“Hope springs eternal in the human breast.” This is one of the most famous sentences in all of literature—a line written by the English poet, Alexander Pope. He may have written about hope, but hope often seemed largely absent from his life.

Born in 1688, he was abnormally short and spent most of his life deformed as the result of a childhood disease. These physical characteristics made him a target of mockery, and he became very sensitive. He turned to literature, and his essays and poems often were filled with bitter, satirical, vindictive language.

Pope’s sentence about hope came from a philosophical poem, called “An Essay on Man,” which he published in 1734. He described his feeling that “there are not many certain truths in this world,” and that death is “the great teacher.” He declared his conclusion that God does not allow us to know “future bliss.” He never could simply trust God.

Many others find it difficult to have this hope, going through life filled with worry or doubt. Others are bitter about events in their lives. Some are bogged down by uncertainty about their future. Others find it hard to believe that God cares about them.

All the while, God continues to offer them blessings—victory, joy, and so much more. All they need to do is trust in Him! To believe!

What problems are you facing? Are you feeling bitter or angry about something you’ve experienced? Are you tempted to give up or give in to depression or discouragement? No matter what you’re going through, you don’t have to be cast down or depressed. You don’t have to feel anxious or worried. Instead, place your hope in God! It’s that simple! You can depend on Him.