The Power of Hope —and How to Get More of It
Rooted in Scripture, grounded in science — a guide to cultivating real hope that lasts.
By Karla S. Hardin, MS LPC-S, SEP
Hope is one of those words that gets tossed around easily — especially when things are hard. “Don’t lose hope.” “Just stay hopeful.” But let’s be honest: when you're in the thick of disappointment, exhaustion, or uncertainty, hope can feel like a luxury you don’t have access to.
It’s like someone handing you a feather when what you really need is an anchor.
And yet — hope is an anchor. Not just emotionally, but physiologically. Spiritually. Energetically. It’s not just a wishful mindset; it’s a real, measurable force that changes things at every level of your being.
Let’s explore what hope actually is, why it matters more than we’ve been taught, and how you can grow more of it — not as a fleeting feeling, but as a state of being that you return to again and again.
What Hope Actually Is (And Isn’t)
Hope isn’t blind optimism. It’s not denying pain, pretending everything is fine, or forcing a smile while your insides feel numb.
Hope is the active expectation that something good can come — even if it doesn’t look like what you imagined. It’s the belief that restoration is possible.
Biologically, hope:
- Reduces cortisol (stress hormone)
- Increases neuroplasticity (your brain’s ability to adapt and heal)
- Enhances immune function
- Regulates heart rhythms and sleep patterns
Spiritually, hope:
- Aligns you with the frequency of heaven
- Recalibrates your inner compass toward possibility
- Restores trust in God’s character, not just His outcomes
Hope isn’t naïve. It’s deep wisdom wrapped in expectancy.
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.*”
— Hebrews 6:19
1. Anchor Your Breath, Anchor Your Body
When you're hopeless, your body believes you're in danger. One of the fastest ways to reintroduce safety — and therefore hope — is through breath.
Try this:
Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 2, exhale for 6. Repeat 5 times with your eyes closed.
As you exhale, whisper:
“I am held. I am healing.”
“*The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.*” — Job 33:4
2. Remember Beauty
Beauty isn’t fluff — it’s medicine. Hope needs beauty like lungs need oxygen. Beauty signals the brain that goodness is still present and possible.
Practice:
Each evening, take a photo of one beautiful thing: a shadow on the wall, your child's laughter, a candle’s flicker. Call it “evidence of hope.”
This builds a subconscious library of goodness, rewiring your brain toward expectancy.
3. Speak What Is Not Yet Seen
Words don’t just describe reality — they create it.
Science shows that spoken words impact not only your emotions, but your cellular structure. Scripture tells us the same: life and death are in the power of the tongue.
Try this:
Each morning, declare:
“Today, I walk with Jesus. He leads me, and I will not be alone. He is my strength and my support, no matter what I face.”
It’s not about faking it — it’s about aligning with what God already sees over your life.
“*Let the redeemed of the Lord say so…*” — Psalm 107:2
4. Reconnect to the Storyline
Hopelessness shrinks your perspective. It convinces you that the now is all there is.
But your life isn’t random. It’s a story. And God is a masterful Author.
Reflection prompt:
Ask: “When have I seen something broken be made beautiful?” Write it down. Speak it aloud. Remember that restoration is part of your history — and it will be part of your future.
“*He will restore the years the locusts have eaten…*” — Joel 2:25
5. Borrow Someone Else’s Hope
Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is admit: “I can’t feel hope right now.” In those moments, let someone else hold it for you — a friend, a counselor, a prayer partner. Even scripture itself.
Try this:
Text a trusted friend: “Can you remind me what’s still true when I forget?”
You don’t need to carry hope alone. That’s not weakness — that’s wisdom.
“*Two are better than one… if one falls down, the other can help them up.*” — Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Final Thought: Hope Isn’t a Trick — It’s a Truth
Hope is a spiritual force, a biological healer, and a relational bridge. And it’s not something you have to wait for — it’s something you can cultivate, gently and intentionally, every day.
Even if all you can do is breathe and whisper:
“I still believe restoration is possible.”
That is enough. That is hope.
A Declaration to End With
“I am rooted in hope. My heart is being renewed. What’s ahead is not just survival, but restoration. I will see goodness again — and I’ll know it when I see it.”
Recommended Resource:
If you want to go deeper into the spiritual and emotional roots of hope, a beautiful companion to this conversation is the book:
'Get Your Life Back' by John Eldredge
It offers practical, Spirit-led rhythms for recovering your heart, reconnecting with God, and restoring your internal world in the middle of a world gone mad.
Karla Hardin is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Workshop Developer, Facilitator, and Trauma Specialist for Hardin Life Resources
Click below to SHARE with a friend; SUBSCRIBE to get our weekly blog in your inbox !