Having hope is essential to our well-being.  Without hope, we can become sick in our hearts, mind, and soul.  To have hope is to know that although things may not be as you desire right now, they will turn for the better.  It’s knowing that a brighter day is dawning.  When we have gone through the unfortunate experience of Narcissistic Abuse, it is imperative that we practice having hope.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick.  Proverbs 13:12

The Narcissist has worked extremely hard in order to strip us of our hope and even our hope in God.  The intent of the Narcissist in doing so is to open the door to depression and discouragement in our lives.  Therefore, we must be intentional when it comes to practicing hope and driving out the darkness in our souls.  We must replace that darkness with the light of The Word of God and by focusing on what is true.  There are some things in life that will happen by default, however, hope doesn’t work that way.

7 Ways to Practice Hope

Prayer

Disciplining yourself to spend time in prayer daily is a tremendous way of renewing your hope.  The Word of God tells us to pray without ceasing.  Make it a practice to intertwine prayer in your daily tasks such as: praying while in the shower, praying while doing the dishes, walking the dog, cooking dinner, etc.  You can pray out loud or silently, but learning to pray often throughout the day is extremely effective in restoring your hope.

Worship

Listening to Worship music will shift the atmosphere in your home, car or wherever you choose to do so.  Worship will also create a shift within your soul and will usher in hope, peace, and joy.  You will experience the effects of Worship immediately as your spirit comes into total agreement with Worshipping God.  We were created to Worship God.  But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.  Psalms 4:23

Reading The Word of God

It is important for us to read the Word of God.  Meditate on God’s Word daily.  Memorize scriptures that pertain to your current life circumstances and implement those scriptures in your prayers.  Trusting God to perform His Word in your life is a great way to restore hope.

Mining Your Thoughts

Your thought life is an area that you must be extremely intentional with your thoughts.  Especially, after experiencing Narcissistic Abuse, this will take some effort on your part.  Not taking authority over your thoughts may lead to spending hours thinking about the Narcissist and what they did to you.  Unfortunately, this type of mental behavior will lead you towards depression and away from hope.

The Bible instructs on how we should govern our thought life.  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  Phil 4:8

Talk to a Friend

Don’t feel like you have to go through your trials in isolation.  Reach out to a friend and let them know what you are going through even if you stopped communicating with them while you were in the relationship with the Narcissist.  A true friend will understand and be willing to help you.  A heartfelt conversation with a true friend can be extremely helpful in regaining hope in your life.

Spend Time Outside

Spending time in nature can be very therapeutic.  Whether you take a walk, read a book or simply have a little talk with Jesus, spending time in nature can lift your spirits and give you a renewed sense of hope.

Remind Yourself Who You Are in Christ 

After experiencing Narcissistic Abuse you will have to relearn who you are in Christ Jesus.  Remind yourself daily that you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalms 139:14).  You are loved by God (John 3:16).  You were created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27).  God’s plan for your future has always been filled with hope (Jeremiah 29:11).