Finding Hope from Within
A Reflection by Christine Jurisich
Hope Exists
We must believe that hope exists. How do we find it? In what ways can we cultivate it? Can we be hope for others? Let’s navigate these deep questions together throughout this new retreat season.
There are many situations—globally and personally—that weigh heavily on my heart. Suffering, violence, disrespect, political infighting. Many of us here in Northern California are grieving the closing of the retreat center, Mercy Center Burlingame. It all feels so heavy, sad, and frustrating. How do we find hope and hang onto it? I must admit I have moments of despair when I feel powerless and depressed, and I don’t even feel like trying to answer that question. Other times I act as if it is only up to me to change the world. Both of these reactions can lead me to a place of feeling overwhelmed and without hope.
Going Within
When I feel overwhelmed or powerless, I recognize this as a sign that I need to stop and go within to find the hope of Christ to sustain me. I need to go deeper into the silence, lean into the sadness, and draw into my sacred self. This opens up the opportunity for God to ignite my flame of hope.
All of this can sound counterintuitive. You may be wondering, “What does it even mean to go deeper into the silence? How does that happen?” For me, it looks on the outside like cancelling plans, shifting deadlines, lowering expectations on my to-do list, and (a tough one for me) being okay with taking longer to get back to people. Setting these boundaries with myself and others helps me take an honest look at the nonstop noise in my head—the anger or blaming—and calm the “hurry and fix it” energy buzzing in my body. A space opens up for me to start to listen for the still voice of God.
Perhaps your first instinct when you feel sad is to seek hope externally; to find people, places, projects, and experiences that are positive and joyful. These are absolutely important as we find our one place in the world to spread love. Yet spending time going within is just as necessary when seeking Christ-centered hope. Time in silence and solitude is an important path toward finding hope in the God of mercy. What will that look like for you? Only you can answer that for yourself.
Deep Calls to Deep
In the Psalms, you will find, "Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your breakers and your waves have gone over me."
— Psalm 42:7 (ESV)
This line from Scripture speaks to a profound yearning to delve deeper into the quiet, the darkness, and even the despair, to explore the depths of God. Follow your yearning through the questions. They can lead you to expanded images of the God of Mystery and Light. Within that expansion is a place of hope.
Finding Hope in Your Sacred Self
When you go deeper within, you may realize there is hope in this journey toward your sacred self. This is not a call to narcissism or selfishness. Nor is it a call to self-absorption amidst a suffering world. Your sacred self is that place where you and God reside together as one. You may refer to it as your soul or authentic self.
Trappist monk and author Thomas Merton is known for naming it the true self. Many spiritual and philosophical traditions have called it “the spark of Divinity.” Whatever name you use, it is the Divine place within that is worthy of spending your whole life trying to reach and comprehend. And yes, it will take a lifetime to grasp and understand.
As you enter into the journey within, you find how every layer you peel uncovers a deeper truth of who you are and who God is. The more you discover who you are in God’s name, the more aware you become of how you are called to nurture yourself and others in the midst of darkness and despair.
What Is Yours to Do?
What is yours to do? The answer lies in who God creates you to be.
As you focus on “what is yours to do,” you begin to feel less controlling or powerless and more humble and connected to your one piece of the body of Christ. Answering the question, “What is mine to do?” could be as ordinary as calling someone who is lonely, visiting a friend in the hospital, or spending dedicated time praying for victims of war in Ukraine, Russia, Gaza, and Israel.
We are complicated beings. In the rush of busy days and chaotic minds, we can be loving and kind in one moment and take our fears and frustrations out on others in the next. You may feel connected to God’s peace within for a time, and then suddenly find yourself lost in the need to be more, have more, and do more.
As you begin clearing the air and going deep into the quiet, the chatter in your head lessens, and there is space for clarity. In that clarity lies hope. Your priorities and values have room to rise to the surface. It becomes easier to hang onto the belief that no matter what, the light of Christ is in you. God is present in the here and now. God loves you no matter what, and God will never stop loving you.
Some situations and timetables are beyond our control. There is suffering that we watch in horror. In the case of retreat centers closing, this is a transitional time; spiritual homes are changing in ways we cannot immediately know. If you can lean into this time, listen for the still voice of God in it, and be open to learning who God creates you to be in this moment, your heart will begin to open to the God of hope. A God of hope waiting to comfort and guide you into the Light.
In the beginning was the Word; the Word was in God’s presence, and the Word was God. The Word was present to God from the beginning. Through the Word all things came into being, and apart from the Word nothing came into being that has not come into being. In the Word was life, and that life was humanity’s light—a Light that shines in the darkness, a Light that the darkness has never overtaken.
— Jn 1:1-5
If this reflection resonates with you, learn more about our upcoming retreats in October, “Listening for the Still Voice of God” and our new spiritual formation program coming in January of 2026, “Sacred Self, Sacred Community.”
Share in a Sacred Circle
The second full week of the month, we offer a chance to share the month’s topic in Sacred Circles on Zoom and in-person. Come to one or come to all. New participants are always welcome.
Share Here
How are you feeling about hope these days?