“Therein lies a crucial distinction between Christian hope and optimism. Whereas optimism tries to minimize the darkness, to see the glass half-full rather than half empty, hope folly acknowledges the darkness and the evil, but rests in Gods presence and His faithful promises. In fact—and this is certainly the witness of many saints—it is precisely in those times of darkness that we can become aware of God’s presence as a burst of Divine Light overwhelming us with a heavenly joy that surpasses any earthly peace or happiness we seek.”

All That I Have Is Yours: 100 Meditations with St. Pope Kyrillos VI on the Spiritual Life
Fr. Kyrillos Ibrahim