Foreword

Scripture

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Romans 15:13 KJV

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Big idea

Summary

Graham begins by reflecting on decades of international travel, during which he has noticed a troubling shift: even in the world's wealthiest and most comfortable societies, a pervasive sense of hopelessness has taken hold. He wonders whether instant global news of wars, disasters, and crises has intensified this despair, but he also senses something deeper at work, since affluence itself has not protected people from feeling empty and without purpose. This surprises him, since he might have expected material security to bring greater contentment, and it leads him to conclude that the modern world's underlying ailment is not primarily economic or political but spiritual. He treats hopelessness almost as a diagnosable disease affecting body, mind, and spirit alike, rather than a passing mood that people simply shake off on their own, and he frames the rest of the book as his response to that diagnosis.

To support this idea, Graham draws on the observations of two physicians rather than relying solely on personal impression. A well-known cardiologist described hope in his memoir as more effective than any other treatment he could offer his patients, while a Cornell medical professor concluded from controlled research that hope functions almost like a measurable medical factor in recovery and well-being, not merely a comforting idea. Graham connects this modern diagnosis to the ancient world, noting that the apostle Paul once described the Roman civilization of his day as fundamentally lacking hope, and he suggests that today's world, for all its scientific and technological progress, is repeating that same spiritual condition on a global scale, only now amplified by instant communication and mass affluence.

Graham closes by explaining the personal and collaborative process behind the book, thanking his wife, a longtime writing partner, a friend who reviewed the manuscript along the way, and his small office staff for their patience through the long process of finishing it amid his other ministry demands. He states plainly that he wrote the book hoping it would be more than simply informative, that it would genuinely change lives weighed down by despair rather than offer temporary comfort. He also expresses gratitude to his publisher for its patience through repeated delays. He ends the foreword with a short, heartfelt prayer that the book would reach and encourage many people currently suffering from what he calls the terrible disease of hopelessness.

Key points

• Graham has observed rising hopelessness even among the world's most affluent and comfortable societies.
• Physicians he cites treat hope as a real, almost medical, necessity for human health rather than a mere sentiment.
• He links today's widespread despair to the apostle Paul's ancient description of a civilization living 'without hope.'
• He frames the entire book as a deliberate offering of lasting hope rather than easy answers or clichés.
• He publicly credits his wife, a longtime collaborator, a manuscript reviewer, and his staff for helping complete the project.
• He closes with a prayer that the book will reach and encourage 'thousands' currently suffering from hopelessness.

Illustrations & stories

• Graham cites a cardiologist's memoir in which the doctor claims hope is the single most effective medicine he has ever used with patients.
• He references a Cornell medical professor whose controlled scientific research concluded that hope, like faith and purpose, has a measurable medicinal effect on the body.
• He recalls the apostle Paul's description of the ancient Roman world as a civilization living 'without hope,' drawing a direct parallel to modern despair.
• He briefly narrates the behind-the-scenes effort of writing the book, naming the family members and staff whose help made it possible amid his demanding travel schedule.

Notable line

Hope is the medicine I use more than any other

Billy Graham Hope for the Troubled Heart, Foreword, a cardiologist's remark, quoted in the Foreword

For reflection and discussion

1. Where in your own life have you noticed the practical difference between having hope and lacking it?
2. Graham describes hopelessness almost like a disease. What do you think is the 'cure' he is pointing toward?
3. Do you agree that affluence and comfort can sometimes make hopelessness worse rather than better? Why or why not?
4. Paul described his era as a world 'without hope.' In what ways does that description still fit parts of our world today?
5. Who has been a source of practical, sustaining hope for you personally, the way Graham's collaborators supported him in writing this book?