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    Hope for Your Heart: Finding Strength in Life's Storms
    Hope for Your Heart: Finding Strength in Life's Storms
    Hope for Your Heart: Finding Strength in Life's Storms
    Ebook267 pages6 hours

    Hope for Your Heart: Finding Strength in Life's Storms

    By June Hunt

    4/5

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    About this ebook

    Hope is one of the prominent themes of the Bible. Despite Scripture’s teaching on the subject, however, the true, biblical meaning of hope is often misunderstood or reduced to mere sentimentalism.

    Respected author and counselor June Hunt champions the healing power of hope. Stemming from Hunt’s ministry, Hope For the Heart, this book speaks on a subject central to her calling. She explains how hope is much more than a vague emotion and specifies the ways it has the power to change lives. Shunning pop psychology and shallow inspirationalism, she instead consistently and faithfully looks at what the Bible says about hope. Each chapter flows from a central Scripture passage and is illustrated by real-life stories.

    Those experiencing brokenness and hurt will find encouragement and healing as they encounter the hope of the Bible. Written from a counselor’s heart, this book will also benefit pastors and others engaged in counseling ministry.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherCrossway Books
    Release dateFeb 4, 2011
    ISBN9781433526893
    Hope for Your Heart: Finding Strength in Life's Storms
    Author

    June Hunt

    June Hunt is the founder of Hope for the Heart, a worldwide biblical counseling ministry that provides numerous resources for people seeking help. She hosts a live, two-hour call-in counseling program called Hope in the Night, and is the author of Counseling Through Your Bible Handbook and How to Handle Your Emotions.

    Read more from June Hunt

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    Reviews for Hope for Your Heart

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    61 ratings31 reviews

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    • 4/5
      Though June Hunt has written, taught and counseled in the field of depression for over twenty years, her latest book, "Hope for Your Heart, Finding Strength in Life’s Storms", was my introduction to her work. She earned my respect and my enthusiastic endorsement through the truth she taught me about hope. Frankly, until I read "Hope for Your Heart", I thought I knew the definition of hope—and I did know one definition. Hope is the expectation of success in some activity. I hope I get a promotion, find the perfect clothes for a party, or see my grandchildren grow up strong and healthy. Sometimes my hope is wishful thinking. At other times, it is the desire to see my hard work bear fruit. I knew the “natural” world’s definition of hope. Ms. Hunt taught me the biblical definition of hope: “Authentic biblical hope is a powerful, undergirding force—an anchor able to sustain us through the fiercest storms.”With the analogy of an anchor, June Hunt, using practical examples and an engaging style, builds a strong case for living life based on biblical hope. The book is divided into three sections: The Reasons for Hope—Guaranteed, The Sources of Hope—Guaranteed, and The Benefits of Hope—Guaranteed. Parts one and two sparkle and flow while part three seemed less effective in its presentation. Nevertheless, the book holds out a hand to floundering souls and offers a place to plant our feet firmly in these uncertain times. Everyone knows someone this book will help. Buy one for yourself and additional copies for gifts. In the midst of so many storms, provide this lifeline of "Hope for Your Heart."(I received a free copy to review.)
    • 4/5
      Although this is a slim volume, I believe that June Hunt has thoroughly covered the subject of Hope. She discusses it in terms of our life here with its problems, our ability to help others, and hope for the afterlife. I enjoyed the "anchor" analogies and felt that she researched this topic well. Sometimes, when an author begins analogies, they sometimes feel stretched, but I didn't feel this was the case with this book. I also felt this book (and her thoughts) were organized, which I appreciated. I love a distinct outline when exploring a topic.I appreciated the fact that the author has had real problems in her life, which helped support her argument for leaning on Christ as our hope. She also gave many examples of people she has counselled who have had heavy-weight issues in their lives.One of my favorite parts of the book was the section of how the Bible's prophecies "beat the odds" and help anchor it as Truth. I also enjoyed the section on Scientific Biblical Truth. I recommend this book for Christians who need a reminder of the strength of their Help, or for non-Christians, who need Hope in their time of need.
    • 5/5
      What an excellent book from an excellent Christian author! June Hunt has probably helped tens of thousands of people on her weekly and daily radio shows and it is only fitting that she writes another awesome book spreading her healing words. Hunt handles some pretty sticky, personal situations as her life's work, but in my opinion, this book could be used in just about any situation where your heart is not at rest. Definitely a lender book, I will try my hardest to keep this book out of my hands and into the hands of people who can use Hunt's healing messages!
    • 5/5
      I have reviewed the book and find it a good study of the concept of Hope. The book is neatly divided into three parts, the reason for hope, the sources for hope and the benefits of hope. She uses the anchor as a metaphor for hope and storms to refer to problems. She uses many personal anectodes to illustrate what she is explaining and the are often very interesting. The dedication "To Hannah Till" is an inspiration and worth the book. It is definately a resource book to keep and share with those facing life's storms.
    • 5/5
      This is a book to be read by anyone who needs hope in lifes storms. It helps to understand what God has planned for us.
    • 5/5
      June Hunt created a wonderful book to help us find and accept the hope that is available from God, our true source of all things. Jesus is our hope and she teaches us this in different ways as well as how to live with Jesus being our hope.
    • 4/5
      Very good! Helpful! A great help on how to fpcus your life on Christ and accept Him as the anchor to keep you steady in life's storms.Made me want to learn more about her ministry and the things she has to say to the people she councils.
    • 3/5
      The problem with books like this is that they often take scripture so far out of context that it is almost unrecognizable. The good news is that this book handles scripture well, overall, and offers real hope for those who are struggling/hurting. While I can't give this my highest possible recommendation, I have little reservation in recommending it as one tool in biblical counseling as long as it is supplemented by other resources.
    • 4/5
      Hope for your Heart was an interesting read that seemed to come at an opportune time. I was in the midst of helping a friend deal with a difficult time in her life, and while reading this book, I was able to offer a bit of insight to her. Hunt does a good job of tying in scripture with real life experiences. She uses an analogy of a ship and anchor throughout the book, and seems to have done her research on both. I did not find any doctrine in this book to be off base, and she correctly guides us to lean on God for our strength in hard times. I would recommend this as an addition to your library.
    • 5/5
      June Hunt really puts biblical hope in easy, practical terms for a lay person. Her analogies are right on target. I especially enjoy reading real life stories about real life people that illustrate her points. I have come away with a whole new perspective on Jesus Christ and the storms we go through as Christians. For anyone in need of hope, and who doesn't, this is a great book to give you insight and the ability to find hope again.
    • 3/5
      This book arrived just as our congregation was looking at starting a grief support group. After reading the text, I have recommended it as a resource book for the newly formed group. It has some good personal stories, mixed with an undisguised love of Scripture's voice on matters of hope-fullness and hope-lessness. I would say that I was unsure of the intended audience, as some observations were for new Christians who clearly have never struggled in their faith, and others were more mature observations. I was really intrigued by the author's need to put a prayer of personal salvation in the middle of the book. SO, aside from the occasional disjointedness, the text is a good book for lay people to explore the vast array of Scripture at hand for those who struggle.
    • 3/5
      Hope for Your Heart is a nice addition to a counseling bookshelf. While the book isn't the strongest exegetically, and makes some pretty significant jumps as it applies Scripture to situations, it makes up for that by having enough meat on the bone to be useful. While I wouldn't use the book for a serious Bible study, I would have no reservations using it as another tool in the box to help hurting people understand the hope that waits for them.
    • 3/5
      While I didn't necessarily agree with all of the Scripture application used in this book, overall it was an encouraging and uplifting read. Using the anchor as a symbol for how Christ is our anchor in the difficult times of life, the author takes us through various Scripture to remind us to trust God through the storms we face. Using examples from her radio show, there are varying degrees of severity to the storms we face and God is able to be the anchor for any of these storms.
    • 4/5
      As I read Hope for Your Heart, I felt some of the sea metaphor taking over. The nautical imagery and analogy seemed distracting at times and detracted from some of the wonderful, compassionate points being made. The ebb and flow of being moved by the content, impressed with some new thoughts and well-substantiated statements of hope to being swept back into some boat (literal or figurative) in a storm made the read less positive.Nevertheless, the author has beautifully put into words the pain of hopelessness and the need for others to understand the depths of this darkness. At times, she seems to stay away from the cliche answers that people without hope just need to trust God more. At other times, she disappointed me by moving to the idea that someone in great despair simply has to choose to trust God more and hope will return. To someone struggling in despair, much of this book would be encouraging and an affirmation that many others, many who trust God fully, still fight the issues described in this book. The occasional passages that hint that a lack of action on the part of the person in pain are mostly overshadowed by the passages of encouragement and compassion.The writing style is not the forte of the this book. The message of hope and of understanding of hopelessness is.
    • 5/5
      Loss of hope is the most devastating of blows and can easily become a loss of interest in life itself.In this book, Ms Hunt contrasts cultural hope which she calls “an optimistic desire that something will be fulfilled” versus Christian hope which she defines as “a guaranteed assurance that something will be done”.Early Christians repeatedly carved three symbols in the walls of the catacombs beneath Rome. These were the cross, the fish and the anchor. This book emphasizes Christ as our anchor as we are shown His strength in life’s storms. I found this to be an amazing book. I literally was brought to tears at least twice as I read it. It spoke to me, sometimes in the metaphors I myself use about my life. For instance, I have long thought of depression as a sucking whirlpool with no escape. How wonderful that this metaphor is used in this book—but now with Christ as my immovable anchor, I can find peace and rest while the whirlpool rages on.This book really is a beacon of hope. It is one of those very rare volumes that I plan on buying additional copies to share.
    • 2/5
      Hope is defined effectively with a helpful distinction between hope as wishing for good things in one's life and the true hope that we have in the faithfulness of God and our faith in him. I found - as several reviewers did - that Hunt's writing style and and the structure of the book were difficult to follow. I think that the content probably transcends that shortcoming for those it helps.Hope for your Heart is a book that should be a blessing for people that are hurting and hopeless. Not having been in that situation I feel like my perspective is rather vague and not a true statement of the book's value for struggling people.
    • 5/5
      I did not have very high hopes for this book because hope is one of those words that seems almost impossible to describe on its own. June Hunt has proven me wrong! I found her writing to be completely engaging, informative, and imaginative. Hunt uses anchors as a metaphor for hope and then goes into a deep study of the types and use of anchors; showing each anchor as a particular level of hope. In this book you will find theology, history, story-telling, nautical lessons, and one of the best examinations of hope I have ever come across. A great "how-to" for anyone who needs to grab onto the True anchor and have hope for the future. The book is broken into three major categories; the Reasons of hope, the Sources of hope, and the Benefits of hope, reminding us that this hope is Guaranteed. Using Scripture, hymns, personal experience (her own and from her radio show, which I have not heard), and other stories to bring out these three concepts of this otherwise ethereal word "hope". Hunt also uses this opportunity to go over forgiveness and reconciliation, showing how to have hope in securing a potential mend for a broken relationship. One of the reasons I believe I was so blown away by this book is because I have been physically disabled for the past six years from an injury to my back. During this time, I have met many men who are ill or injured and they have told me of their lack of hope. Hope for Your Heart gives "real meat" answers to questions and concerns many of them have expressed to me over the years. She accomplishes this without pontificating or platitudes; just a true spirit of faith and her passion to come along side and support her brothers and sisters. I have already recommended this book to people I know and will continue to do so.
    • 4/5
      June Hunt’s credentials as a counselor and radio host shine through her book, "Hope for Your Heart." As I read it, I found that I was trying to decide who to give it to, when I was finished with it. I am certain that someone in my Sunday school class will be blessed with this book.Ms Hunt draws heavily on metaphors of the sea. People are battered by storms of the soul; and she draws out the metaphor to explain that just as there are different categories of storm, so we experience different sorts of personal crises. Anchors are the largest metaphor in her book. Starting from the scripture, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul,” she begins to explain how anchors function, and to make various applications from her own experience and from scripture.I’m certain that her experience as a counselor has been that people who are grasping for hope also need a convenient, easy way to grasp the concept of hope. These metaphors provide a way for people to take hold of the hope held out to them in the Christian faith. She gives examples of people disagree intellectually with her application of scripture or reject her reasoning, but the metaphor seems to have been a valuable “closing” tool. I found the metaphors overdrawn; but I am not drowning in despair. I thought that she made some wild leaps of logic in her scriptural applications, but ultimately, I believe the book fulfils its purpose admirably. "Hope for your Heart" presents the hope of Christ in ways that penetrate the despair and self-defeating attitudes of those caught up in the storms of life.
    • 5/5
      June Hunt has written a thorough discussion of hope in Hope for Your Heart: Finding Strength in Life's Storms. Subdivided into three sections (Reasons for Hope, Sources of Hope, and Benefits of Hope), the book's 14 chapters are amply illustrated by real-life stories. This book can be very helpful to people trying to cope with life's stormy waters as well as friends who want to comfort, counsel, and encourage people who are at risk of losing hope. Highly recommended.
    • 4/5
      I am still reading this book, and cannot comment completely on it. However, I believe June has some great points made, and anyone can benefit from the reading of this book.
    • 4/5
      Hope for your Heart by June Hunt explores the intangible idea of hope. Many people speak of hope and many people feel hopeless, yet the idea of hope is a difficult concept to grasp. What, exactly, is hope? How does one find hope? What can a person do to regain lost hope? June Hunt attempts to answer these questions, and more, in this inspirational book.Hunt makes sure to differentiate between cultural hope and biblical hope. Cultural hope is a fleeting thing while biblical hope is guaranteed! Hunt writes about Christ being the ultimate hope and expounds on the fact that as long as one is an authentic Christian, they need never feel hopeless again. I found this book to be incredibly inspirational. It serves as a reminder that no matter how bleak things seem, God had a plan for us and is in control. Plus, as Christians, we are assured that Heaven lies beyond this life. No matter what trials we may endure on Earth, we will find ultimate joy in Heaven.I liked how the book was structured, Hunt did a fantastic job of keeping my interest by adding in personal stories. She chose to describe hope as an anchor, and at the end of every chapter there was a small section called "Anchoring Your Hope." In the Anchoring your Hope section Hunt uses nautical metaphors to give a visualization to the topics discussed in the chapter. I found this book to be entertaining and easy to read while being inspiring and encouraging at the same time. I will reread this book whenever I feel that I am losing hope, this book will remind me that I am never hopeless.
    • 3/5
      Hope for Your Heart is an important read for all of us as it reveals the fundamental flaws of our popular culture's definition of hope in today's world. June Hunt uses God's Word in Scripture as well as her own personal stories and experiences to reveal a more Biblical definition of hope. She teaches us how real hope, which can only be found in Jesus Christ, can anchor us through life's most intense storms and save us from drowning, even when the circumstances we face seem completely and utterly hopeless.Hunt's writing style does leave something to be desired for me personally. I found it difficult to feel fully engaged by her. Though the content is incredibly important and truthful, I read more for the purpose of reviewing it than out of an actual desire to continue. However, I found my own preconceptions of hope to be challenged and have learned a great deal about what implications Biblical hope rooted and anchored in Jesus can have on my life.I do recommend this book for its truthful and important message, especially to those who have struggled to find hope in life through difficult and painful circumstances.
    • 3/5
      In this book, June Hunt examines biblical hope in light of the anchor metaphor in Hebrews 6:19. Hunt begins by discussing the true nature of biblical hope, as opposed to cultural hope, and its importance for a life of faith in the midst of suffering. She draws from history, nautical studies, and her own experience as a counselor to demonstrate the reasons, sources, and benefits of hope. I found this book to be insightful at times, but overall tedious and difficult to read. Her conversational style is inviting, but the book lacks cohesion. The chapters touch on different aspects of hope, but the historical illustrations emphasize the same point over and over. In addition, the nautical theme is overbearing at times; many of the metaphors seem forced. While the book is sprinkled with Bible verses, it comes across as an exegesis of seafaring rather than Scripture.I find three points of disagreement with the author. First, the author fails to make a distinction between objective and subjective hope. Hebrews 6:19 speaks of our objective hope, the thing for which we hope. This book is largely about subjective hope, the feeling of hope that we have. Second, she argues that hope precedes faith: "Having the assurance of hope is necessary before you can have faith. Then you act in faith because of your hope" (p. 62). The Bible teaches that faith precedes hope. Faith is taking God at his word, believing that he will do what he says. Hope is the confident expectation for the fulfillment of what God has promised. If you believe the Promiser, you will expect the promise. Third, the author gives instructions on prayer (pp. 141-144) and does not reference any Scripture, with exception of one verse tagged on at the end.This book will be a great resource for some who need to find hope in the midst of suffering. Even with its weaknesses, it points the reader to the One who provides hope to and is the hope of those who trust in Him.
    • 3/5
      This book was what I needed at the time I received it. I needed a message of hope from God's Word. Not hope as in "I hope I win" but a sure and steadfast hope based on an unshakable promise. That's the kind of hope God gives. The book ministered to me in many ways.However, taking the one verse in the Bible that says that "this hope we have as an anchor of the soul" she began a nautical theme that carried on through the book until I was feeling just a bit seasick. Bad pun. But that's how the book went. In one chapter she discussed the different types of anchors, gave a description of the kind of anchor, Jesus as our anchor (assumedly this KIND of anchor), a Biblical example and how Jesus has proven himself as this anchor. This was stretching it. The last three categories were good, but the jump from the actual anchor to Jesus was a large leap that didn't always fit, in my mind.June Hunt has had a difficult life and has tested the hope she has in God and found it true. She has many good thoughts which I check marked in my copy. I appreciated her scriptures and her retelling of how God has used her on her radio program. He has definitely given her a gift. But I found the book difficult to read and not always coherent. Because I received help from the book I give it 3 stars.
    • 2/5
      While the author discusses some great truths about hope as well as some good examples of life's problems, the book does not flow well. I forced myself to finish reading it! Many facts (e.g., hurricane categories and "points of sail") appeared to be fillers without fitting into the whole of the book - especially after an entire chapter on anchor types. By the time I got to the seven pages on scientific truths in the Bible, I concluded that the best word to describe this book is "disjointed".
    • 4/5
      Hope for Your Heart, by June Hunt, is one of the best inspirational, self-help books I have encountered. Her conversational style draws the reader in and provides inspiring and practical advice through real-life situations. Continually referencing God's promises, Ms. Hunt offers testimony to that gift that is freely offered to all. And while the title seems geared to the hopless and hurting, the contents are uplifting for persons in all seasons of life.
    • 3/5
      In Hope for Your Heart, author June Hunt seeks to explain the true meaning of Christian hope. It is not, as many people use the term, mere optimism or wishful thinking, but rather it is placing confidence in God's promises rather than our own strength or ability to make something happen. To this end, Hunt does a good job. She uses Hebrews 6:19 as a foundation to expound upon the idea of hope as an anchor. I could greatly appreciate this idea, and I can honestly say it's a novel one, at least for me. In expounding this idea, she also uses many personal examples from her own life, which lends her much credence. It is obvious she knows a great deal about hope, not only from studying what Scripture has to say about it, but by living it.That being said, I did not care much for the style of writing. Although the content was good, Hunt's style is definitely in the "pop psychology" genre. It is a bit too conversational for my liking (which, I admit, is subjective) and I felt that she repeated herself quite a bit. Furthermore, at times I had a hard time understanding where examples left off and the main flow of the book returned.Overall, Hunt's book is solid on research and provides a novel look at hope--one which I will definitely borrow in the future--but weak in writing style. I agree with the other reviewers, however, in saying that this book can certainly provide a means to Hope for those who need it.
    • 5/5
      This is a really amazing book. It helped me with struggles I didn't even know I had. June Hunt draws from her personal experiences as well as stories from her call-in radio show to provide real life examples of overcoming hopelessness. I will definitely be referring back to this book often to remind me to find my hope in God through the trials in my life.
    • 5/5
      "Hope for Your Heart" by June Hunt is right on the ball when it comes to true Biblical hope. June Hunt weaves scripture and real life stories to explain the secure hope that can be yours. It is inspiring and uplifting. I enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it."Hope for Your Heart" is a must read for anyone who needs hope.
    • 5/5
      June Hunt's "Hope for Your Heart" is simply a wonderful, wonderful book! Hunt answers what has to be an almost universal concern of many Christians concerning the biblical use of the word “hope,” because many Christians equate the concept of hope with a certain degree of uncertainty – and how or why should Christians have uncertainty about “...the [Christian] hope that you have" (1Peter 3:15)? To answer, Hunt makes it clear that although the secular world's definition of hope does contain an element of future uncertainty, the hope of the Christian is not one of future uncertainty but one of an assurance here and now and in the future based on God's promises. Hunt then backs up the Christian hope with Bible verses, analogies, and examples, and does it masterfully. In addition, "Hope for Your Heart" is chocked full of life lessons, defenses of the faith, and the plan of salvation. This marvelously educational and inspirational book should be required reading for everyone who claims Jesus as Lord and Savior, and also for any person – believer or non-believer – who is drifting in a sea of emptiness, doubt, or pain, because this book explains the hope – and the assurance – they can have and the anchor they need.A five-star must-read.

    Book preview

    Hope for Your Heart - June Hunt

    heart.

    PART ONE

    The Reasons for Hope — Guaranteed

    INTRODUCTION: HOPE STARTS HERE

    Confession is good for the soul, and I have a whopper: I named our biblical counseling ministry Hope For The Heart . . . I often tell callers on our call-in radio broadcast, Hope In The Night, to "hang on to hope" . . . I have taught Bible studies on the topic of hope . . . and I have an office chock-full of mementos bearing the word hope. Yet, for years if you had asked me point-blank, "June, what is hope?" I couldn’t have told you!

    Oh, I had a definition of hope, but that’s not the same as having a handle on hope.

    Back then, hope was an elusive concept to me . . . cloud-like . . . impossible to grab hold of. Sure, I was familiar with Scriptures like Romans 5:5 that say, Hope does not disappoint us. But still the word hope, in and of itself, is always inspiring! It is encouraging, heartening, and reassuring. Hope is something we all want . . . and something we all need. But. . . .

    Hope is what every mountain climber possesses at the bottom of the mountain. Imagine looking up at the tallest peak, believing, With enough determination I can make it to the top!

    Imagine starting out at the bottom of the mountain full of hope. You begin to ascend step by step and traverse from side to side . . . and soon you find yourself on a severe slope, still holding on to hope. As you plant your foot, the rock gives way and your foot slips . . . you start to slide, reach out, grab hold of a bush . . . and now you’re hanging on to hope!

    After once again getting your footing, each step brings you closer to the top until finally you see the summit. You ascend to the top and experience hope fulfilled!

    That’s the outcome for which every mountain climber hopes. But the truth is, this kind of hope is not enough; it’s not assured. A successful climb is not guaranteed, regardless of how much hope a climber may have. Accidents happen. Equipment fails. People die. Even though we all want to be hopeful, what can we actually count on? I wondered. What can we stake our lives on?

    I lived with these baffling questions for decades . . . until 2006, when God graciously began to connect the dots. It started as I prepared to teach a Hope Biblical Counseling Institute for nine hours on the topic of . . . you guessed it . . . hope!

    During the Institute, I expected to explain definitions, characteristics, causes, and steps to solutions before an audience of pastors, counselors, teachers, and other interested individuals. There was just one problem. How could I ever hope to teach something I didn’t fully understand myself?

    So I called my pastor . . . a brilliant, scholarly man who had at one time headed a major denomination. June, he confided, you have your hands full this time. In my opinion hope is the hardest topic to preach on. It’s elusive . . . difficult to describe . . . hard to handle.

    Next I checked with a professor at one of the country’s leading seminaries. It’s one of the hardest topics anyone can ever speak on, he told me. When you try to separate hope from the topic you need hope for . . . like hope for marriage or hope for finances or hope for overcoming addictions . . . you’re left with a major challenge. It’s like trying to catch the wind.

    Undaunted, I continued to interview, read, and research, surveying every single verse in Scripture having anything to do with the word or concept of hope. During this process I reread Hebrews 6:19: We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. And that’s when it hit me. . . .

    ANCHOR

    Hope is an anchor! And anchors are tangible. I figured that if I understood anchors, they would help me understand hope.

    That hopeful realization launched me on a voyage to learn everything I could about anchors. I researched anchors . . . asked seafaring friends about anchors . . . read books about anchors . . . studied diagrams of anchors. Sure enough, what had once been as murky as the depths of a churning ocean slowly began to grow clear.

    Everyone needs an anchor.

    A famous and rather amusing quote by Benjamin Franklin reads, In this life nothing is certain but death and taxes.

    I’d like to add one more certainty to the list: storms.

    I’m not thinking about literal storms with thunder and lightning and gale-force winds, although they are just as certain as death and taxes. I am referring to those heavy, dark clouds that roll into our lives and unleash torrents of trouble and trauma.

    These storms can be like squalls, suddenly and powerfully blowing in setbacks and sorrow. They contain downpours that can saturate our days with disappointment and devastating heartache.

    Failure . . . betrayal . . . abuse . . . disaster . . . death . . . the list of potential storms could go on and on, and there’s not one of us who at some time or another hasn’t felt swept away by them.

    Through my research, reading, and prayer, God graciously granted me a life-changing discovery: The hope that is discussed so extensively in the Bible has nothing to do with crossing our fingers and hoping for the best. Authentic biblical hope is a powerful, undergirding force—an anchor able to sustain us through the fiercest storms.

    Men and women down through the centuries have clung to biblical hope when barraged by the biting winds and tumultuous tides of life’s storms. And the world simply watched in amazement when knees didn’t buckle and faith didn’t quaver.

    That’s because biblical hope is based on the promises of God. In fact, the biblical writers applied hope to a considerable number of situations and circumstances and watched God move in miraculous ways.

    So what about you? What’s your situation as you open this book? Maybe you are in the midst of a violently swirling storm that you feel is about to take you under. Perhaps you’re trying to help someone else weather a storm. Or could it be that you’ve been through some storms with hurricane-force winds and want to be prepared for the ones brewing just over the horizon?

    Whatever the case, this book is all about the one resource that will hold you steady and keep you standing when the storms of life engulf you emotionally, physically, and spiritually. It is not only a resource, it is a gift . . . given by God’s outstretched hand to you. And that gift is hope.

    In the chapters ahead we’ll explore the depths of this essential virtue and closely examine its vital role in holding us fast when life’s storms rumble and rage. Along the way I believe you’ll come to see that when you have authentic biblical hope you will have something no person or situation can ever take away—you will have an anchored life.

    We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. (Heb. 6:19)

    1

    THE ULTIMATE LIFE PRESERVER

    HOPE DISPELS YOUR DARKNESS

    Hope: Tracking the Storms

    Years ago I received a phone call asking for help. June, I have a niece in her thirties who moved here from Florida. She works at a hospital . . . she’s single and really needs friends. Do you have any ideas?

    Well, I teach a Bible study for singles, I answered, and we’re like a family. In fact, we don’t even take spring or summer breaks or stop for holidays; that’s how much we value and support one another. I teach a group on Sunday mornings at my church, and then on Tuesday evenings we meet at my home. About sixty to eighty come from all over the area. We’d love to have her join us.

    Her aunt was elated, and the following evening Sandra walked through the door of my home and into my life.

    She became a consistent part of our regular group, enjoying the inductive Bible study, and she was growing spiritually. As she absorbed more biblical truth, I began to see a change in her.

    A FLOOD TIDE OF PAIN

    Tuesday evenings fell into a pattern: The end of our music/message time ushered in the warm glow of our food/fellowship time. It was understood that anyone could stay longer for deeper conversation, which sometimes stretched into the wee hours. One evening Sandra waited until everyone else had trickled out. As we sat on the couch, her expression turned to one of distress. June, I don’t know what to do. I’ve been having these horrible flashbacks.

    What kind of flashbacks? I probed.

    Oh, they’re . . . bad, she whispered.

    Are they sexual?

    Taking a deep breath, she whispered, Yes.

    Seeing she was on the verge of tears, I reached out and gently took her hand. Several moments passed in silence as she struggled to collect her thoughts.

    Sandra swallowed hard. Then slowly, haltingly she began pouring out her pain. For more than a month she had been flooded with disturbing, disgusting images of being sexually abused by her father. Many different scenes played in her mind like a vile movie . . . so real, so lurid, so sordid. She hadn’t wanted to tell anyone, but her secret had become too much to bear.

    June, I think I’m . . . losing my mind, she shuddered, tears spilling from her eyes.

    The sexual victimization in her early childhood had caused a repression of painful memories. This phenomenon, called dissociation, is not uncommon as the mind puts up a protective barrier to shield the child victim from the excruciating pain of traumatic experiences. Typically many years, even decades, pass before the buried memories begin to surface. Often people in their late twenties and thirties begin to have flashbacks of past trauma.

    I feel like I’m walking right on the edge, she told me. One slip and I’m going over.

    Sandra, you can get back on solid ground, I assured her.

    Sandra had up to that point functioned quite well. She worked successfully as a medical professional and had a moderate social life. But now the more her memories stirred, the more her emotions erupted. Sandra’s heart was flooded with feelings of anger, betrayal, and anguish. Ultimately she felt helpless, knowing she couldn’t erase the past, and she felt hopeless, believing she had no future.

    HOPE HELD AT ARM’S LENGTH

    Sandra was starting to drown in hopelessness. What she needed was the ultimate life preserver . . . hope . . . to assure her that God’s help and healing were within her reach.

    I can’t handle these flashbacks, she said with a resigned sense of defeat.

    Yes, you can, I countered. "You can get through this difficult time. I want you to claim the Bible promise, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’"¹

    It won’t work for me, she insisted.

    Do you believe the Bible is true? I asked, knowing her answer would be yes.

    Do you believe the Bible is the Word of God?

    Yes.

    Do you believe God would lie to you?

    No.

    Then I explained, Whenever you feel like giving up, I want you to claim Philippians 4:13 (nkjv), ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ Christ will empower you to do it. Christ, who lives in you, will be the power source for you. It won’t be easy, but you have the power of God within you. He is your Redeemer, and He can redeem your past—as painful as it is and as impossible as that may seem right now.

    She looked away. That will work for you, June, but not for me. I’m just not good enough.

    Oh, Sandra, it’s not about being good enough or strong enough or anything else enough! I responded. "It’s about receiving God’s compassion, hope, and healing. His hope for your heart is based on His promises for your life. His hope for your future is based on His plan for your future. The Lord Himself says in Jeremiah 29:11, ‘I know the plans I have for you . . . plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’"

    THE DOWNWARD SPIRAL

    I was painfully aware that my pleas, along with God’s promises, had fallen on deaf ears. It was as though Sandra had shut off emotionally, and she was spiraling downward. She saw no future. Instead she was a prisoner of her past.

    I met frequently with Sandra over the next few months, but she seemed to be sinking down into the darkest sea. All of my attempts to pull her up and out were in vain, and outside counseling wasn’t proving to be helpful.

    She cut herself off from nearly all of her friends and stopped attending our Bible study. Gradually she started drowning. She began drinking heavily, no doubt to numb her emotional pain. Disappearing for long stretches, she finally reemerged . . . but engulfed in a continual flow of sadness. Sandra was totally submerged in her painful past, the ultimate life preserver—hope—seemingly a thousand miles from her grasp.

    Then one day I received a telephone call from the hospital where she worked. Sandra was in the hospital . . . as a patient. She had attempted suicide.

    When I first arrived at the hospital, she said, It’s bizarre to be in the place where I’ve come to work a thousand times . . . and now here I am in the psych ward!

    We talked candidly about her attempt . . . about her pain . . . about her past. And as I left, I thought, Fortunately she’s in a safe place . . . they’ll get her back on track. I felt confident she would move toward wholeness.

    But after several months Sandra’s story took an unexpected turn. Her insurance ran out. She would be moved to the state hospital, thirty miles outside Dallas.

    The very next day after her transfer, my telephone rang. June, you have to get me out of here!

    What’s happened? Is something the matter? I never will forget her exact words.

    June, I’m not like these people. They are walking zombies. I am not a zombie! I don’t belong here! You have to get me out of here!

    Sandra, I . . . I . . . I don’t have the authority to do that, I stammered.

    Oh yes you do! Just come and get me.

    I don’t think I can. I wouldn’t even know what to do.

    June, drive here, come to the front, and we’ll walk out together. They can’t hold me against my will!

    Later Sandra called again, June . . . you have to get me out of here. You have to come and get me!

    Sandra, I don’t know that it’s right for me to do that.

    June, she said next, "I’ve been thinking about what you’ve said." I could hardly believe what rolled off her tongue then.

    I remember when you quoted the verse, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ (What a surprise to hear her quote Scripture!) Well, I know that’s true. And I do realize that the Lord really does have plans for me. He has hope and a future for me.(I was astounded to hear her saying the actual words from Jeremiah 29:11.)

    And I’ve been thinking, God promises to give me peace that passes all understanding. (She was quoting Philippians 4:7. I could hardly believe my ears!)

    June, I’ve been thinking about what God says . . . that God loves me and that He’ll never leave me or forsake me. . . . I am a child of God.

    She was quoting Deuteronomy and the Gospel of John! She was repeating back everything I’d been saying. All along I thought my words weren’t even going in her ears, much less penetrating her heart.

    You know, I’ve been thinking, I need to trust in the Lord with all my heart. I shouldn’t rely on my own understanding. He promises to direct my path. (Amazing! That was Proverbs 3:5–6. Yes, that was exactly what she needed to do!)

    To be absolutely candid, I didn’t think the answer to Sandra’s problems would be found in a mental institution or through more drugs. I learned she was not getting the kind of in-depth counseling she needed to process her pain and give her hope for her distraught heart.

    After much prayer, I made my decision. It was Friday afternoon, and our group was having a two-day Bible study/fun/fellowship retreat. So I drove to the state hospital and picked up Sandra as she had asked. We went to the retreat, and I had absolute peace that this was right.

    The retreat was a rich time of spiritual feeding and fellowship for Sandra and for our entire group. Then on Monday morning we both met with a renowned Christian psychiatrist, who immediately took her off several medications, believing she was overmedicated. In addition to setting her up with a Christian counselor to help process her pain, a friend from our Bible study, a caring doctor’s wife, came alongside to consistently encourage Sandra.

    Consequently she felt less and less hopeless . . . and more and more hopeful in her heart. The ultimate life preserver securely encircled Sandra, holding her up in this darkest and roughest of seas.

    HOW TO MAKE HOPE WORK

    Think seriously about this question: When someone is in the depths of depression and is struggling with the will to live, what does that struggler need most? What is the single most important ingredient for you to give? If you had to give an answer, what would you say?

    Genuine concern? Empathy? Compassion?

    Total acceptance? Unconditional love?

    My personal thought would be truth. And the reason should be obvious. Jesus says, The truth will set you free.²

    I had been speaking the truth to Sandra . . . she even had the truth in her . . . but she was not free. This mystified me. What was the problem? What did she not have?

    Hope! She didn’t have hope . . . she didn’t have hope for her heart. You can have all the truth in your head, but it must also be in your heart through hope.

    Sandra knew a lot of truth, but didn’t have hope that the truth would work for her. Truth alone does not set you free. Many people have acquired information, but they need transformation. Why?

    Sandra needed to not only know the truth of God’s promise for her . . . she also needed to have hope that those promises were for her. And that hope saved her life!

    IT’S ALL IN A NAME

    One fall day in 1985 my friend Jan and I decided to start a new Christian radio ministry . . . and we needed the perfect name. We knew we would be discussing relevant topics with real solutions.

    I remember thinking about the word Kaleidoscope (for the variety of topics we would cover) and Point-Counterpoint (because of our two viewpoints).

    Suddenly Sandra came to mind . . . Sandra whose life was almost snuffed out simply because she had no hope. Then I thought about the thousands of Sandras . . . men, women, teens, and children . . . who need hope! We decided to name the ministry after what we knew everyone needed: Hope For The Heart.

    The signature Scripture for our ministry is taken from the promise spoken by the Lord Himself: I know the plans I have for you . . . plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future

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