Worldly hope--the confidence that an outcome we wish for will come to fruition--always comes with a risk of disappointment.
We hope for the new life growing inside us, only to experience the deafening sound of a silent heartbeat and the sting of movement stilled. We hope to restore a broken relationship, but distance and dysfunction grow more profoundly. We hope our difficult circumstances will improve, but bafflingly, our burdens multiply.
One minute we ride high on a wave of hope and then plummet into the depths of discouragement or despair moments later.
Like Job, we question, “where then is my hope—who can see any hope for me (Job 17: 15)?”
Over time, we might become numb, lacking joy, zeal, and the peace we once possessed. We don’t see how we can stomach one more hit to our hope, so we fear the future-- since God chose not to fulfill that hope, will He take away another? Is all hope lost?
Worldly hopes will disappoint; it is a truth we can’t ignore. But God doesn’t miss this truth, either, sweet friend. He knows our frame: that we are nothing but dust (Psalm 103:14). He sees the pain in our bodies, the losses we grieve, and the blow after blow that leaves our hope tattered and torn.
Life wasn't supposed to be this way.
When sin entered the world, death, disappointment, and sorrow resulting from that sin became a part of our daily reality. Yet God is rich in mercy; He promises to expel pain from our eternity when we place our faith in Jesus. He also promises to use every single heartache for good-a good that has lasting, eternal value, though we may not see it now.
So when the world around us crumbles, we must cling to this truth: Jesus is the only hope that won’t disappoint, a firm and steady anchor for our souls (Hebrews 6:19). This hope holds onto us tightly so we can hold onto the things of this world loosely.
Indeed, difficult circumstances will tempt us to forget the faithfulness of our God. But like the discouraged prophet Jeremiah, we can recall who God is and trust Him to fulfill all our needs.
“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him (Lamentations 3:22-24).’”
Precious friend, when we belong to Jesus, all hope is never lost; it’s merely been misplaced or forgotten. So, no matter what you are going through today, I pray that “the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13). Keep holding onto this hope; it’s already holding onto you.
How have you seen God holding onto you, despite the hardship you are going through?
More Truth to Consider:
“I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope.” Psalms 130:5
"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." Isaiah 40:8
More Encouragement:
Instagram Reel: In Christ Alone
Instagram Reel: All Hope is Not Lost
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Dear Beth, I am so discouraged this morning. I’m overwhelmed with physical problems the enemy is desperately trying to use to keep me feeling homeless. Last night I had such sweet fellowship with the Lord. This morning? Where has the sweetness gone? Please pray the Lord will provide for that which is legitimate, and bring deliverance from what is the devil’s work. Thank you for your prayers. In Christ, Erica.
Erica, I am so sorry you are going through so much right now. I pray that the Holy Spirit would fall fresh on you and bring comfort and peace. I pray you would have renewed hope. God knows exactly what your weary heart needs. He sees you and He cares. I pray you would feel His love surrounding you today.
Love, Beth
My dear friend, Debbie, has been wracked with indescribable pain for years, but having availed herself of every doctor, procedure, and and approach known to man, in an endless pursuit of relief- all to no avail. She suffers without interruption, and is having a very hard time hanging on. Her assaults have multiplied as time has gone on and she is losing her will to live. We have stormed heaven but God remains silent. It’s like free falling in a relentless abyss of misery. Like “hell” itself. Forgive me, but even scripture now sounds foreign and stale. We plead for God to reassure her that He sees her, and cares. Even a small glimmer of Hope, a touch to her weary soul, would make such a difference. Please join me in petitioning the Lord on her behalf. Thank you.
Christine, I see your heart is so heavy for your precious friend. I hear the empathy and compassion you have for her. It is so hard to watch the people we love suffer. And it is hard knowing the Lord could relieve her pain if He chose to do so. I am praying for her alongside you. I pray the Lord would have mercy and bring renewed hope and life in the hard and dark places. He is there, even in this. May He reveal Himself in a fresh, new way and restore joy. Love, Beth