1444) Occasionally, I’ll read a book which has the line, “There’s no hope of recovery.” It catches my attention because I’m not sure anyone in any profession would say these words to someone who is teetering on the edge of disaster or despair, even if these words might be true.

This despicable statement makes me think about what life would be like without hope; no assurance that there is meaning in life. Being without hope does not allow the sufferer to see that the bad of this life has the potential to bring strength and beauty. How heavy it must be to carry around hopelessness.

The author of Proverbs 14:32 understands when calamity comes, those who have no hope will crumble and yet, those who have hope, even when death knocks on the door, they will find refuge. These people don’t carry the burden alone. Even through the pain, they know the God of all comfort is there, working behind the scenes to make it good.

To have hope is to have faith. If you have faith, hope is part of the package deal. Dare to open the package.