At the jail, COs vary in demeanor while serving the same shift, on adjacent tiers, overseeing detainees of the same classification and number. Some COs may show discontentment; others, a positive attitude.

Outside life is a big factor in contentment, yet I’m equally concerned with how staff feel about their work, because if they choose to be hopeful in this challenging environment, that mindset can bolster their health and relationships both in and outside the jail.

Sharing with another about what is happening in life—struggles and successes—is good for the spirit. It’s why every jail should have a chaplain who roves the facility, visiting each on-duty officer, to confidentially hear concerns, and offer words of appreciation and hope.

To thrive, we each need hope. Hope is belief that better hours and days are ahead. Hope creates courage to persevere and act.

If there’s one thing that correctional staff need in their demanding service, it’s hope.

Four Types of Hope

One definition of hope is “a desire which we expect to attain.” There are four types of hope. Three are false; one is real and, thus, of value.

A person’s hope may be:

1. Wishful thinking: superstitiously believing that our fervently wanted desires will be met.

2. Blind optimism: seeing everything as if problems don’t exist—which is denying reality.

3. Dreams: lofty goals, which we may, or may not, strive to accomplish.

4. Biblical hope: confidence in a loving, all-powerful God who is capable of guiding us in any situation.

The Bible speaks of hope 180 times, because God knows that choosing to have hope in him is vital to us. Hope is a flicker God ignites in our soul which can persist even when we’re surrounded by pain, fear, or darkness.

God creates each person for a purpose. He also hopes (we’re made in His image), that each person will seek, find, and pursue His unique plan designed for them. “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “to prosper and not harm you—to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11).

True Hope is Trust

Authentic hope is dependent upon someone, or a situation, controlled by someone. Such dependence might be on our personal ability, training, or experience, but if wise, we first rely upon God, who is always available and more powerful than any problem. As Jesus said: “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33), and “God gives us a living hope through Jesus.” (1st Peter 1:3-4).

God enhances lives with hope, if we welcome his guidance. He’s not pushy, but waits, hoping that we will invite him in: “I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in…” (Revelation 3:20).

We might hope to never have problems, but problems teach us, grow us, and can prompt us to turn to God, who can also create good to result from a problem: “for those who love God, all things work together for good.” (Romans 8:28). For example:

True story #1 My church friend is a Chicago bus driver. A day after painful surgery, she forced herself to work. A motorcyclist collided with her bus, which meant disruption, police reports, and bus inspectors. She feared for her job and wasn’t allowed to work for four days, while the incident was reviewed. Videos exonerated her, and she was given four days’ salary, without having to work those days. What she’d initially viewed as a problem, instead provided her with pay, and time at home for restful recovery!

Can you recall events over which you fretted, but resulted in good? Record these to review when facing a new challenge–to remind you that God cares. Look for good aspects to problems, to notice any God-surprises…

True story #2 A friend lost his cap. Maybe it was left at church, so we went looking for it. He wanted to play in the church orchestra but hadn’t had the courage to ask the conductor. When we entered the otherwise-empty sanctuary, the conductor was there, they conversed, and my friend joined the orchestra! (And we found his cap.)

Walking out, I thanked God for creating the conversation with the conductor, because of the lost cap. My friend said he’d not recognized the connection—of a “loss” creating an opportunity. Do you have a problem? Look deeper. You may see God doing something special, even a little thing!

True story #3 Vertigo kept me home, unable to get to and rove the jail. A friend suggested a self-treatment video. Fearfully, I did it. Not only did it end my vertigo; it eliminated another malady I’d had for more than a decade. God gifted me with improved health I’d have not gained if it weren’t for the vertigo! Plus, at the jail, I’ve since shared the YouTube vertigo treatment with officers, for their loved ones. God’s gift continues to multiply!

What Does Biblical Hope Do?

The foundation of biblical hope is having faith in God, which we can gain by reading the Bible. In it, we read of his love for us, and his desire to keep us from mistakes, poor choices, and sin. Biblical hope assures us that, after death, we’re not condemned to punishment, but will enjoy a perfect paradise for all eternity: “For the wages of sin is hell, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:23).

Faith doesn’t just believe something; faith results in action—such as when Jehoshaphat prayed, obeyed God’s word, and experienced a miraculous rescue (2 Chronicles 2:20).

What If I Have Doubts?

To doubt is normal—to wonder if God will “come through for us.” Yet, doubt isn’t the opposite of faith. The opposite of faith in God, is unbelief about who God says He is.

‘Doubt’ comes from the word ‘double,’ meaning ‘two.’ To believe is to be in one mind about accepting something as true. To disbelieve is to be in one mind about rejecting something. But to doubt is to waver between belief and disbelief—and thus to be unable to choose or act wisely.

We can trust God yet struggle and have doubt about what he may do. The Bible gives such reports:

Mary expressed her doubt about how she, a virgin, could conceive the Savior. She wasn’t reprimanded but given the answer.

John the Baptist didn’t understand why he was in jail. Jesus then said, “No one is greater than John.” (Luke 7:28), proving that John wasn’t condemned for having doubts.

Doubt only turns into unbelief if we let it, by not seeking answers. Doubt can be good if it prompts us to seek God’s answers. God gave us a brain to use: “Test everything” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). As we search, read, and mull, we learn, grow our faith in Him, and receive confidence to trust Him to help us with trials.

What To Do With Doubt and Feeling Hopeless

First, identify the source of your doubt. It might be:

• Intellectual: you expect God to answer prayers how we want, but the Bible shows that’s untrue. He knows what’s best; answers may be very different from what we want.

• Emotional: feelings control you, but faith isn’t a feeling; it’s a decision to trust God, no matter what.

• Volitional: you willfully sin (i.e., choose to disobey God), which hurts your relationship with him. (The devil constantly tempts humans, to get us to reject God’s loving laws.)

Second, ask God to grow your faith in him. People were not chastised by asking Jesus for such help: “I believe—help me to overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).

Then, write down the issue, your possible courses of action, and discuss these with God. He doesn’t promise days without sorrow but loves you and will be with you in any challenge. That’s not wishful hope; it’s a promise!

He also promises a perfect eternity, if you choose it, rather than hell. If unsure that you’re saved from hell, which is solely through Jesus Christ, make that the priority, now. Don’t delay, as the devil wants you to do; many serving in corrections who die in their 40s and 50s didn’t expect that was going to be their last day. AJA’s online wellness publication, Eternity and Life explains this, or email me. It would be my honor to answer any question.

God made each person unique; no one else is like you. Thank you for your service.

May you choose to have hope each day in the God who loves you.

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Chaplain Linda Ahrens Chaplain American Jail Association