Living with Hope when Things seem Hopeless

I recently read a post by Michael Hyatt (here) entitled 7 Ways to Keep Your Spirit Up in a Down Economy. Below are his list of 7 suggestions with some of my observations on his list (you are encouraged to read his list also).

1. Turn off the news media: feeding your minds with the consistent negative comments from the news can give you a feeling of despair. Hyatt states that the media is no longer reporting the problem, they are the problem! Turn on Christian radio, turn on uplifting Christian music that focuses on our God and our trust in him. Turn off the "somebody done somebody wrong" songs.

2. Connect with God: Hyatt writes that we were designed to function connected to God. This is not some "higher power" or "supreme being." This is a connection with the only true God as revealed in Scripture.

3. Read inspirational books: the negativity needs to be replaced with positive and wholesome content. Inspirational books are normally built around a theme of hardship which is conquered. Hyatt has a couple of suggestions on his blog.

4. Hang around positive people: some people are just like Eoyre in Winnie the Pooh. They are constantly negative. These folks seem that happiest when they can explain how miserable they are. Seek out positive people. I am not saying that we ought not to share our burdens with one another, but we ought to also share God's goodness and grace.

5. Exercise regularly: this is huge. It is amazing how getting the heart rate up for a sustained period of time can help to put things into perspective. The medical/psychological community tell us that regular exercise leads to great psychological health with the release of endorphins. This exercise could include a good 30-40 minute walk three or four times a week. Plus it takes self-discipline and there is a feeling of accomplishment when we learn to master ourselves (put down the bowl of ice cream/bon bons and do the exercise) Disclaimer: see your physician before beginning a strenuous exercise regimen.

6. Get more rest: Hyatt states it is just about "impossible to stay upbeat if you are tired."

7. Go to church: discouragement often leads to isolation, but this is the opposite of what we need. We need a community that cares. But most of all, we need to be reminded that God is a God of hope and we need to reflect on His promises. We need to be reminded that God is not confused by the stimulus package, or the different economic theories. He will provide for His people as he does the sparrows and the flowers of the field (Luke 12:6-7). Peter writes that we should humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, and that you and throw your cares on Him because He care for you (1 Peter 5:6-7 ).