Biblical Answer

The Nature of Hope in the Darkness

Hope is a vital part of the Christian experience, and it is not something to be dismissed or abandoned in the face of darkness and despair. In fact, hope is one of the theological virtues, and it is meant to be a continuous looking forward to the eternal world. This does not mean that hope is escapism or wishful thinking, but rather it is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life.

The Edge of Hope

Hope has an edge to it. It refuses to surrender and sit passively while misery abounds. Instead, hope finds in Christ not only a consolation in suffering, but also the protest of the divine against the darkness. This is why hope is not defeated by disappointment, but rather purified. Every hope or dream of the human mind will be fulfilled if it is noble and pure, and if it is rooted in Christ.

Finding Hope in Christ

In the darkness, hope can seem elusive. But it is precisely in Christ that we find the source of true hope. When we put our trust in Christ, we are not putting our trust in something that will let us down. Rather, we are putting our trust in the one who is sovereign over all creation, who is in control of every circumstance, and who is able to bring good out of even the darkest of situations. This is why it is possible to find hope in the darkness, not in spite of the darkness, but because of the light of Christ that shines through it. As we look to Christ, we are reminded that our present hopelessness is sin, and that we need to turn to Him in faith and trust. When we do, we will find that our hopes are not in vain, but rather they are being purified and refined, and that they will one day be fulfilled in all their glory.