b'As people begin to understand the purpose of their existence, they begin to hope, demonstrate resilience, and overcome challenges they once thought were insurmountable.given in the document is, Mans chief end is tothe value of hope in human life. Theres a new glorify God, and fully to enjoy Him forever.addition to the research on hopea specific What an amazing promise. As human beings, wekind of hope called goal-transcendent hope. Goal-can live eternally when we find our purpose oftranscendent hope is built on the idea that one glorifying God and living for Him. For these rea- can persevere when the goal seems unachievable. sons, Christ-centered recovery programs are veryThus, how do we help people find hope as they successful in helping those struggling find deeperstruggle with substance abuse? The Mayo Clinic meaning for their lives. It is why Alcoholicscalls the type of work done by organizations like Anonymous and the Salvation Army have beenAdult & Teen Challenge a residential, modified around so long. The power of the Gospel and itstherapeutic model. Why? Because while we and meaning for life drives the success of Adult &other programs like ours use the traditional Teen Challenge and Citygate Network ministriesresources available, we also walk individuals daily as well. All one has to do is to read Psalm 145through finding their identities; minimizing and reflect on what King David wrote as he waspain; discovering value, worth, meaning, and influenced by the Holy Spirit. Davids writingpurpose; and learning how to dream about their here is filled with worship, and then outlines thefuture again. We offer individuals a never-ending benefits and attributes of God, a God who holdsform of hope beyond what mental health litera-up all who are falling and raises up all who areture suggests, hope in the internal transforming bowed down, a God who hears the cry of Hispower of the triune God.people and saves them (Psalm 145:1419). ThereThe biblical response: Jesus Christ is hope is no greater meaning of life than to worship thedefined. This is why He made statements like Lord Jesus Christ and receive His eternal life.Do not let your hearts be troubled (John 14:1), Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you HopeWill I ever overcome substance(John 14:27), I have come that they may have abuse?life, and have it to the full (John 10:10), and H ope seems lost when people are strug- Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, gling with A/SUD or another form ofand I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). Our addiction. Their daily struggles to sustainhope is found in the transforming work of the the high becomes their only focus. Hope is some- Holy Spirit through eternal life in Christ. As peo-thing they just dont believe in. As a result, manyple accept Christ as their Lord, their hope floods perish without hope. But this does not have to be.their lives, newly justified in their Creators eyes. Hope is a powerful tool. Research has provenThis begins the process of sanctification or the 14 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024'