Daniel,

Thank you for you post on William Ernest Henley’s story. I can relate to your post, because when I read Henley’s story, I also struggled with the phrase “I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul” (Watson, 1951, p. 85).

There is some truth to the statement, as we do have some power to make decisions in this life; whether that is about direction in life and/or how we will respond to circumstances. However, in thinking about the personal suffering I experienced last year (health issues and a family member passing away), as well as the suffering I currently see close friends and family enduring; these words from the famous “Invictus” seem empty. When I say empty, I mean the following: they do not comfort, do not give any reason or vision for suffering, and do not encourage me towards others or a “higher power” for support. Through these words I see encouragement to “pull yourself together”, “deal with it”, “just think positively” and “you are in control.”  The reality of health situations and crisis is you feel a profound sense of “lack of control” over your life and that there is nothing to hold onto. In my opinion, when I think of the Invictus poem and combine it with my experience of suffering, they do not match. This poem will only inspire those who feel that they can or do have control over their lives.

Personally, the only thing I have found substantial to hold onto are words like what Daniel quoted from the Bible in James 1:2-4. These verses gives purpose and meaning to suffering. Daniel, also asked the question: what is the difference between hope found in this world and Christian hope?

What is “hope” though? I think the definition of “hope” in our surrounding culture is vastly different than the “hope” the Bible speaks about.

I observe in my Canadian/North American context, the word “hope” gets thrown around a lot: “I hope you do well on that exam” or “I hope your surgery goes well”. The word “hope” in our culture, is defined as wishful or positive thinking; or even could  be equated with “good luck” in everyday language. It has been watered down to a nice sentiment we say when we want to help others think positively.

I also notice on a more intuitive level, that hope in my surrounding culture is people placing hope in something or someone in this life. That could be: themselves (eg. their accomplishments or achievements), a job, a cause, a significant other, children or family. This way of thinking is very common and though North Americans would not state directly, “my hope in this life is found in my spouse or career”, there is an overwhelming evidence of it in our culture. Think about movies, TV, social media and other culture creators or influencers. The person in the movie gets their “dream job” or the “dream partner” and that is the hope of their life fulfilled, and they will now live “happily ever after.”

Hope in the Christian perspective, has to do with trust; trusting in the person of Jesus, the Word of God (the Bible) and the promises spoken in the Bible that relate to our lives. The Christian hope is rooted in the person of Jesus and in having a real relationship with the God of the universe. The historical Christian figure, the apostle Paul, puts it this way in his letter to an early church in the city of Rome:

Through him (Jesus) we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us (Romans 5:2-5, ESV).

Paul speaks of a different kind of hope, not wishful or positive thinking, but something much deeper. The hope described in this verse comes from the person of Jesus and the trustworthy character traits of a loving God. It comes from growing and walking through difficulties with the help, strength and joy found in Jesus. This hope is solid and it will not fail, because it is based in the character of God and His promises.  I can speak from experience last year, as in some of the worst experiences of my life, I had the most profound and immeasurable peace and joy in the midst of it, that I can only say came from knowing and having Jesus in my life. I know me, and the me without Jesus would have been in those circumstances, in complete and utter despair! We can wish for good things and think positively, but there is no guarantee. In contrast, the Christian hope is a guarantee, that will not “put us to shame”, as stated above in Romans 5:5 (ESV).

Many of us, myself included, have experienced being “put to shame.” Something or someone we hoped for, craved, desired and poured everything into fails, disappoints or rejects us. What then? Is the answer find something or someone else to put your hope in? What assurance do we have that this new “thing” will not do the same?

My question is: What has been or would be your response, if what you currently place your “hope” in ends up disappointing you? 

Monica

 

Header photo: pexels.com by Lukas shared under Pexels (BY) license.

References

Watson, L.E. (1951). Light from Many Lamps. New York: Simon and Schuster.