In the face of adversity and being hopeless, hope springs from the conviction that things will eventually improve.
Those who lost everything but a thread of hope are fueled to keep moving forward by the conviction that this world is magnificent and that it lies just around the corner. Simply put, hope is the conviction that God intends only good things for us. Hope is an integral part of the path in every tale in the Bible. Do not be hopeless.
What The Scriptures Say About Hope
“Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” (Romans 8:23-25)
The Holy Spirit resides within us to comfort us with the truth and to inspire us to hope despite all odds. Abraham and Sarah had reached their latter years without producing a legitimate heir. They had given up hope that things would be different for a kid born by normal means when God suddenly provided a ray of light that would alter their circumstances and the entire world.
All of their faith rested on the arrival of a future son who would serve as a pivot in the family tree from which God would choose to birth His Son.
It was Sarah’s faith that allowed her to become a mother even though she was beyond the age of bearing kids, as recorded in Hebrews 11:11: “And by faith, even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise.” She had to conclude her steady hope that God was good and would keep His word to her.
Without it, she never would have considered the possibility that she could conceive a child of her own, but God had the last say.
How to Have Hope in God When Things Seem Hopeless
Don’t give up hope when life throws you curve balls; hardships strengthen your faith, which in turn helps you weather life’s inevitable storms. If you seek His will and hold on to hope, the Lord will work for your good. Here are some things to attempt if you’ve run out of options and hope.
Seek the Love of God
No matter how hopeless or dreadful your situation may be, you should always make time to spend with God. If our hope is in the Lord, shouldn’t we want to get to know Him better? The Lord longs for a close and personal connection with us.
The door to getting to know God better is opened when we actively seek Him via prayer, the study of the Bible, and the simple request to hear Him. In times of despair, we can find comfort in the promises He made in the Bible.
There are assurances like the one found in Psalm 147:11: “the LORD delights in those who fear him, who hope in his unfailing love.” People who fear God in this passage are not those who are terrified of God but those who revere and worship God. When you feel hopeless, the Lord wishes to pour His love, knowledge, peace, and hope into you.
During these moments, seeking His heart might help bring insight and guidance. In 1 Kings 19, Elijah goes into the desert searching for the Lord’s will. He expects a raging storm or a loud boom but hears the Lord’s voice in a whisper.
When he stopped to listen to the Lord’s gentle voice, he received direction and insight into what to do next. It’s crucial to seek His will not just for what to do next but also for the hopeful anticipation that better times are on the horizon.
Wait Patiently
“For in this hope, we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” (Romans 8:24)
Having hope needs the commitment to wait for a response, a resolution, or a change to occur. Many might see that waiting period as punishment, but it’s an opportunity to grow or get things done on the inside.
Patience is necessary since the primary goal has yet to materialize. Your patience will be rewarded both during and after the ordeal. It will take time, like anticipating a delicious stew. Perhaps a microwave dinner could be prepared and eaten much more quickly, but it wouldn’t have the same depth of flavor or ability to satisfy hunger as the one you’ve been anticipating. The same is true of God’s work: the hoped-for outcome will be much more spectacular if it is given time to unfold perfectly.
Consider The Counsel of Others
When things seem hopeless, it may be a big asset to listen to the advice of those who have been there and done that. One’s network might be invaluable, whether made up of mentors, friends, or relatives. Most of us have weathered storms that seemed impossible at the time, yet hope has been a beacon of light at some point.
Make it a point to pray for the Lord to bring someone into your life or to give you the strength to reach out to others for support. Sometimes it helps to talk to others going through the same thing so that you may find a support network or a smaller group dealing with the same hardship.
The Church is supposed to be a group of people with one other’s backs, especially when things are tough. Your experience is valuable and might be the key that unlocks a window of opportunity for someone else.
According to 2 Corinthians 1:4, “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.” When they require consolation, we can provide it to them as God has provided it to us. The outcome will be favorable if you seek the counsel and assistance of others.
Review God’s Earlier Deeds
Remember that He has been faithful and will be faithful again, even when there is no hope.
One need only look at Psalm 119:90 to be reminded that “Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast.”
God has proven Himself true to His people and each of us in the past, and He will do so again. Having seen Him come through in the past, we have faith that He will do it again. You can take solace in the triumphs you have seen Him accomplish by listing them when the path seems to end.
Through the Psalms, King David would praise the Lord and renew his faith by remembering the great things he had witnessed the Lord accomplish. Staying hopeful means holding fast to the conviction that God will not abandon you but is at work in your life, penning yet another triumphant chapter.
Check out some of our other posts!
