Hope, Retreat 1997

PSYCHOLOGY OF HOPE

Given by Deborah Eggelletion, D.D.

at the PLIM 1997 Retreat in White Cloud, Michigan

Reported by Dr. Lee Warren, B.A., D.D.

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See Related Articles: PSYCHOLOGY, The Magic of Faith

Introduction

Deborah Eggelletion gave a discourse on the principle of hope to convey that there are certain spiritual intangibles that mankind needs in order to develop both psychologically and spiritually. Hope is one of the spiritual principles needed to sustain a mans mind and soul.

Spiritual principles, such as hope, faith, and love, are just as necessary to sustain human life as physical substances are needed for the bodys life. For example, the biological operation of the physical body shows that a man needs oxygen, hydrogen, etc., to live and they are required for the cells in the body to burn food for energy. Food and water are a few necessary items.

The purpose of Deborah's lecture was to provide a clear/concise explanation of What HOPE IS? & what HOPE IS NOT! Her thesis follows. Every human being experiences hope. Some in favorable, positive measures (high hope) others with plight and frustration (low hope). Nevertheless, hope cultivated, understood, and applied properly should be a desired virtue. In this presentation, we will discuss hope from a psychological viewpoint for practical application in ones life.

What is the psychological and Christian definition of hope?

There are many definitions of hope that are used in a certain context. Deborah defined hope both from a Christian and psychological viewpoint. Websters New World Dictionary, College Edition 1959) states that hope is: n, a feeling that what is wanted will happen; desire accompanied by anticipation or expectation. (v.) reliance, trust.

C. R. Synder defines hope from a psychological viewpoint as: the sum of mental willpower plus waypower towards ones goals. The meaning of goals is very similar to that of hope in that goals are any objects, experiences, or outcomes that we imagine and desire in our minds. (The Psychology of Hope: You can get there form Here, p. 10)

The Christian concept of hope is defined in terms of the Bible. Hope is one of three virtues: faith, hope, and love (1 Cor. 13:13.). Hope is distinct from faith and love because it is directed toward the future, which is an unknown.

What are the properties of hope?

When the object of hope is attained, the feeling of hope ceases to be because it has been fulfilled and accomplished. For example, when the object of hope is obtained, the need to hope for it ceases because the object has been concretely manifested. It is much like the biological urge of thirst for water. Once this need has been fulfilled, the urge stops.

Consequently, whereas Love never ends, hope has a beginning and an end and is confined to mans life in this realm. Once one obtains eternal life, there is no need to hope for it. Hope is also referred to as a moral quality. Simply put, you cannot exercise the principle of hope except one recognizes that one has a need for something or goal that must be fulfilled. If there is no need or one has the object of ones hope, why then would one hope for it. Paul said: For in hope were we saved: but hope that is seen is not hope: for who hopeth for that which he seeth? But if we hope for that which we see not, (then) do we with patience wait for it (Rm. 8:24-25).

The Two Sides of Hope-Yin and Yang

Deborah explained to the audience that as with any spiritual principle, hope, like a coin, has two sidespositive and negative. This is true for something that is spiritual, such as eternal life. If one is in harmony with hope, then one can reap the benefits, which are positive. Now if one violates the principle by not applying it or using it half-heartedly, then there are penalties. King Solomon said: Hope deferred maketh the heart sick; But when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life (Pro. 13:12).

The negative aspect of hope induces passivity, resignation, and stagnation. The youths in the USAs inner cities reflect a state of hopelessness and despair. They have no mental power or plans to achieve any of their goals. The failure to take specific, energetic, and frequent actions to make a particular situation better is the application of the wrong kind of hope and works against you. In these situations, many will say as Solomon wrote: Where then is my hope? And as for my hope, who shall see it (Job 17:15)?

The positive side of hope, according to recent social scientists, suggests that hope involves the perception that ones goals can be met. When hope is anchored to a specific goal, directed hope is favorable. Thus, psychologists see the necessity of having hope on physical and psychological levels in human life. We know if a person is hopeless or in despair, when one usually gives up the goal or aspiration. Hope is initially applied toward some physical aspirations before one can begin to hope for eternal life which is spiritual.

The Apostle Paul spoke of hope on a spiritual level. He said: &we have as an anchor of the soul, (a hope) both sure and stedfast& (Heb 6:19) which is Yahshua Messiah within.

He also points out the relationship between hope and various tribulations in life. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of Elohim (God) is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us (Rom 5:3-5).

What principles govern the operation of hope?

As with any physical laws of the universe, such as gravity, there are certain factors that govern its operation. Gravity depends on the mass of objects and the distance between them. The greater the mass body, the greater the influence of gravity, provided the distance between them is small. Now gravitys influence decreases as the distance increases or the mass of the bodies decrease. This is how the law of gravity operates.

The closer the planet is to the sun, the more influence gravity has on it; the father away the planet is from the sun, the less hold gravity has on the planet.

Deborah explained that the spiritual principle of hope operates in a similar fashion. What usually causes hope to manifest is some goal, need, or challenge in life. Prior to this situation, the principle exists as a sheer abstraction or as an idea without basis in reality.

Hope is a spiritual principle that cannot be tangibly analyzed in a laboratory. It's a subjective feeling much like love. Simply put, Elohim created situations whereby the principle of hope could be exercised. Clearly, hope is usually exercised on things out of ones control. It is through the process of hope whereby things are brought into materialization in the physical realm. For example, people plan to attend or complete college and get married in the face of uncertainty. Their desired outcome is not promised or given, but visions and dreams establish their hope.

If one now faces a situation or goal, hope for a favorable outcome must be exercised. Hope requires some type of sacrifice along with some dream or vision to sustain hope. Now the sacrifice may be time, money, or physical or mental effort applied toward the goal rather than something else. The vision or dream sustains the effort until the goal materializes. The concrete manifestation is the goals manifestation, the challenge overcome shows forth the power of hope.

Deborah concluded her lecture by stating that without the spiritual principle of hope, goals, dreams, visions or challenges in life could not materialize for mankind and the world would sink into the doldrums of despair. Since this is true from a psychological point of view, it is more so on the spiritual level of the soul. Simply put, the world cannot exist without hope in Yahshua the Messiah.

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