We really feel happier when things look bleak. Hope is endurance. Hope is holding on and going on and trusting in the Lord.

In this quote, Michael Novak reflects on the resilience and strength that hope provides, especially in difficult times. He suggests that hope isn't just about waiting for things to improve, but about endurance—the ability to hold on and keep moving forward even when circumstances seem overwhelming or bleak. According to Novak, true hope involves trusting in something greater than oneself, specifically in the Lord, and maintaining faith despite adversity.

The idea that we "feel happier when things look bleak" speaks to the paradox that often accompanies hope. During tough times, hope becomes a source of comfort, allowing individuals to endure and persevere, even when the immediate situation seems grim. Hope in this context is not naive optimism, but a deeper, more resilient form of trust and commitment to a better outcome, even when it's not immediately visible.

Novak also emphasizes that hope is an active force. It requires holding on, continuing despite setbacks, and going on with the belief that something better is ahead. This reinforces the idea that hope is not passive; it involves action, strength, and an unwavering commitment to stay the course, which in his view is best supported by faith in the Lord.

Ultimately, Novak's quote underscores the importance of hope as a vital tool for coping with hardship. It teaches that hope is not just a fleeting feeling but a continual practice of endurance and trust that carries us through challenging times. It suggests that even in the darkest moments, hope can offer the strength needed to persevere and believe in the possibility of a better future.