Virtue 2: Joyful Hope vs. the Despair of Worry
- Beata
- Jul 1
- 5 min read
Blog Series: The 7 Virtues of Mary
In a world filled with anxiety and uncertainty, joyful hope stands as a beacon of peace. This blog explores how Mary’s example of hope teaches us to trust in God’s plan, even in the midst of worry. Through the symbolism of the sunflower, Scripture, and reflection, we learn to rest in God’s promises and to cultivate a heart anchored in hope.
Joyful Hope vs. the Despair of Worry
There are moments when we sit in the silence of a dark night, waiting for dawn that seems delayed. Our heart cries out like a child searching for the comfort of its mother. In these spaces, Mary comes to us—not with shallow cheer, but with fierce and steady hope, rooted in her unshakable trust in God.
Jung reminds us that the soul grows through tension between what we fear and what we long for. And Mary, as the most integrated human soul, teaches us how to hope not in outcomes, but in God’s presence, even in the dark. Lenczewska once wrote:
“When you lose hope, it is Me who hopes in you.”
In this season, I find myself caught between joyful hope vs. the despair of worry, learning to lean into faith even when feelings falter.
Amid life's uncertainties, it is easy to be consumed by worry.
We look at the challenges ahead and wonder how we will manage.
Despair creeps in, telling us that the worst is yet to come, that we’re not strong enough, not prepared enough.
But joyful hope does not deny the struggle. It acknowledges the darkness, yet believes in the light. It holds fast to the promise that, with God, there is always a way through.
The Flaw: The Despair of Worry
Worry is rooted in fear — fear that things will not go as planned, that our efforts will fail, that we will be left alone.
It distracts us from the truth that God is with us in every moment, guiding, strengthening, and providing.
The more we focus on the unknown, the more we become consumed by it. Our hearts become restless, clouded by doubt and anxiety.
The Virtue: Joyful Hope (Mary’s Way)
Mary, the Mother of Hope, never fell into despair because hope in Mary’s heart was never naive — it was resilient.
When the angel announced the impossible, Mary didn’t ask “how will this work out?” — she said “yes.” Not because she saw the whole picture, but because she trusted the Artist behind it.
Her joyful hope wasn't rooted in certainty, but in relationship. She knew the voice of God — and that was enough.
This is what makes Her hope joyful: it’s not passive or wishful thinking, but a steady flame that keeps burning through uncertainty, waiting for the dawn. Even at the foot of the Cross, when everything looked lost, Mary did not despair. She waited. She believed.
“Blessed is she who believed that what was spoken to her by the Lord would be fulfilled.”— Luke 1:45
Joyful hope, then, is a posture of the soul — a quiet confidence that God is already at work, even when we can’t see it. It sings before the miracle comes.
Mary invites us to live this way too: not grasping for control, but resting in God’s promise — with joy that’s not loud, but anchored.
She teaches us that hope is not a passive waiting, but an active choice to trust, despite the difficulties, to wait in joy for what God has prepared for us.
Even in our waiting, especially in our not-knowing, hope can still be our hallelujah.
Symbol: Sunflower
The sunflower turns its face toward the light, seeking the sun’s warmth and energy.
In the same way, hope directs our hearts toward God’s promises, seeking His strength and guidance.
Even in the darkest of times, the sunflower remains steady, showing us that hope is not about avoiding darkness, but about standing firm in faith.
Bible Verse:
"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." — Hebrews 6:19
Quote from Alicja Lenczewska:
“Hope is not the absence of difficulties, but the faithfulness to God, who is with us in every moment.”
“Nadzieja nie polega na braku trudności, ale na wierności Bogu, który jest z nami w każdej chwili.”
A bright sunflower facing the sun symbolizes joyful hope, trust in God’s promises, and the peace that comes from resting in God’s presence during times of uncertainty.
Mary Enters the Scene
In every moment of her life, Mary chose joyful hope.
At the Annunciation, when she was told she would become the mother of the Saviour, she chose hope, despite the unknowns and the dangers.
Even at the foot of the Cross, when everything seemed lost, Mary chose to hope, knowing that God’s plan was greater than her understanding.
The sword she carries is the Word of God: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.”
She calls us to trust in the plan that God has for us, even when we cannot see the way forward, and to rest in the hope that He is with us.
Reflection
Virtue 2 - joyful hope vs. the despair of worry is a powerful attitude for daily obstacles.
What worries are taking up space in my heart, and how can I turn them into prayerful trust in God?
How can I cultivate a joyful hope in the midst of uncertainty?
In what ways do I see God's faithfulness in my past, and how can that strengthen my hope for the future?
Prayer for Virtue 2 - Joyful Hope vs. the Despair of Worry
Mary, Mother of Joyful Hope, teach me to trust in God’s plan for my life, even when the path ahead seems uncertain.
Help me to look to the light of God’s promises and to keep my heart anchored in His love.
Holy Spirit, fill me with the peace that comes from knowing God is with me, no matter the trials.
Amen.
Join the Journey of Virtue 🌿🌸🌿
As we reflect on the virtues of Mary, let us commit to growing in holiness each day. It’s a journey that requires both patience and perseverance, but with Mary’s example and intercession, we are never alone. I invite you to continue walking this path of transformation, embracing these virtues and letting them guide you closer to God’s will for your life.
What virtue is calling you to grow in today?
Leave a comment below or share your thoughts with us on social media. Let’s support each other in this journey of faith, as we work together to become whole and holy, just as Mary did.
Let's continue with Virtue 3, coming soon.
🌸Virtue 3: Ardent Charity – A Love That Burns Without Burning Out
🌿 Invitation to the Heart: Has this prayer touched you?
👉 Share how a particular virtue is shaping your journey – or send this chaplet to someone who could use spiritual encouragement today.
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