The heart fails most often when it is unable to locate and nourish itself on divine hope. In its vast repertoire for reasons for living, the heart is always restless for deeper meaning. Something that gives us life beyond moments of pleasure is what the heart, if we were to be honest, is truly searching for.

Most of the heart’s “deeper meaning” quests are quelled superficially either with actions of the flesh or chemical compounds that promise to assist in a higher state of conscience, thus, unleashing life’s “true” potential. But, these things only solve the heart’s hope problem temporarily, sometimes, just for an evening. In thinking about the heart’s propensity to fail, we can’t help but think how steady a hope is needed to keep propulsion in life moving in a steady positive direction.

It must be every ounce of hope a person may stir up. Yet, alas, it would seem the world is built upon a myriad of discouragement principals. When one hope is able to set sail on the ocean of life, culture is there to rip the boat in two. So, we know this world is no place to lay anchor, although, the shiny stuff has a tendency to appease even the most broken of hearts.

To be whole and even consider growing, the heart must be nourished by heavenly hope. When it is, the heart can be strengthened. To develop and sustain hope takes a great amount of courage that very few experience in their life. The willingness to look up, instead of down, to face the emptiness of fear and so press forward. Courage feeds hope by reinforcing the heart with strength. So, when we sense a weakness in the heart, to courage we must turn and care for our hope (and protect it), which must always remain in the Lord.

“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” Psalm‬ ‭31‬:‭24‬ ‭KJV‬‬