Life can be filled with trials, troubles, and tribulations. However, the Apostle Paul wrote in the biblical book of Romans “to rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Paul also cautioned the Ephesians that “there would always be trials and tribulation” in life. So, we can expect things to occur in our lives that will make us want to quit or give up.
Hope is the cornerstone of survival. It is the key to endurance and perseverance for a brighter future. Hope allows us to believe something will change or become better and fuels our desire for a certain thing to happen. A life without hope is a life where you will feel you have no control over your destiny or purpose, and more so, no reason to exist. It would be like living a life where you are constantly overwhelmed by despair and fear.
Patricia Mendoza, with the Asbury Park Press, wrote an inspiring article about Mildred Baron, a 107-year-old woman. Pictured sitting with her 80-year-old daughter, Mildred was asked about the secret to her longevity. She equated it to a belief that she held throughout her life. “The real secret to living a longer life depends on a positive, forward-thinking mindset,” Mildred said. “Be very calm, be peaceful and adopt my saying: ‘This too shall pass.’”
Disappointments are an inevitable part of life, and they can make us want to give up our pursuit of happiness. All of us want to live as long as possible! This should be our aspiration. If this is your desire in life, I suggest you adopt a mindset to “be very calm, be peaceful” and to embrace Mildred Baron’s saying, “This too shall pass.”
The Bible teaches that if we anchor our life to hope with our prayers, our trials and tribulations will pass. Can you imagine living to the age of 107? However, reading the article about Mildred Baron gave me hope to live life with a calm and peaceful spirit, always remember her powerful mantra, “This too shall pass.”
Remember to always pray to God for strength to weather storms of life. And Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!
Dr. Walter Ghosten
