For one day (and one day only) we diverged from our study of the Gospel of John to study this passage from Romans 5:3-5. It says:
3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 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.
Our thought on this is such: Hope does not put you to shame, but many people are reluctant to “hope for too much,” because that’s how they avoid being disappointed. But the point of hope is not to try to underpredict your outcomes and avoid disappointment. It’s to believe that good things are possible and they’re worth pursuing and holding out for. God has given us an understanding of these good things through the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Do not give up hope, and that applies to all good things. Don’t be afraid to hope. Don’t consider it silly to hope. Hope will never put you to shame. And if you’re going to overthink the worst, make sure you overthink the best, too.