The house seems to hush in understanding as I silently weep and misshapen shadows wrap around me in quiet comfort as tears slide onto my pillow. Almost routine now, I raise my hands in prayer for my 3 a.m. meeting with God. Lord, you are my hope. I know you will never forsake me or abandon me. Help me to rely on you and not lose hope.

I am convinced He wants to teach me to remain in Him no matter my circumstances. To hold onto hope.

Are you, too, struggling with hope? A quick tapping of the keyboard and I discover several reasons people struggle with hopelessness. Perhaps one of these resonates with you.

 

People Lose Hope Because of Loneliness

Loneliness can result as the byproduct of unpredictable events like a pandemic or the sudden death of a loved one. One might also experience pangs of alienation after a divorce, when an adult child moves away, or even following a teen’s transition from high school to college.

 

One recent report indicates that 36% of all Americans—including 61% of young adults and 51% of mothers with young children—feel “serious loneliness.” And loneliness leads to a number of poor outcomes including poor quality of sleep, increased anxiety, risk of heart disease, and increased mortality.

 

What to Do If You Lose Hope and Struggle With Loneliness

When struggling with loneliness, how can a person cling to hope? A few simple ideas include the following:

• Start a new hobby or join a club, Bible Study, or another group.
• Keep a bullet journal and record 3-5 items for which you are grateful at the close of each day.
• Exercise regularly.
• Volunteer.
• Get a pet.

People Lose Hope Because of Fear

Woodrow Krall once said, “Are you facing fear today? Perhaps you are afraid of losing your job, of developing cancer, or being left by your spouse. At times all of us experience fear. But don’t allow fear to keep you from being used by God. He has kept you thus far; trust Him for the rest of the way.”

 

In an ever-changing world, we can take comfort in an unchanging God. Thoughts of men and women whose names are recorded in the Bible come to mind.

 

How to Combat Fearfulness with Hope

The angel of the Lord:

• comforted Hagar
• called Gideon a warrior
• prepared fresh bread and water for Elijah

 

In each of these situations, the angel of the Lord said, “Do not be fear.” Yet each of their circumstances seemed out of control. A single mother, Hagar wandered in the desert abandoned with her child. Gideon hid from the enemy in a winepress threshing a limited supply. Elijah, depressed and afraid, hid from Jezebel beneath a broom tree. A peasant girl grew thick in the waist before consummating her marriage. Most assumed her guilty of an act punishable by death.

But surrendering control to the Lord released each of these people from their relationship with fear. When Hagar called out to God? He saw her. When the people of Israel cried out to God, the angel commissioned Gideon. When a despondent Elijah asked for the Lord to take him to heaven, God met him in his despair—reviving his spirit with a face-to-face meeting and fellowship.

What do we learn from these stories? We can beat fear by surrendering our plans

• engaging in pray and face-to-face fellowship with Him
• recognizing God may commission us to serve

 

People Lose Hope Because They Feel Stuck

“I have an S-curve that is at seventy-five percent in one part of my spine,” she said, her chin trembling. “I didn’t think I would be able to make it to Bible study today, but I couldn’t miss. I keep wondering why He hasn’t healed me. Then, I remind myself I can serve Him no matter what.”

Among the small group of women—no more than a baker’s dozen—each carries a burden. Many live with health issues. Others fight for their marriage on their knees. A handful bear the scars of abuse. But one truth that binds them together?

God is never intimidated by circumstance.

• Caught between an army and an ocean? He will part the waters.
• Staring into the face of the giant? The roar you hear is the Enemy’s cry of defeat. #hopeinChrist #donotfear Click To Tweet
• Approaching the walls of Jericho? The walls will crumble at His breath.

Maybe God will alter my friend’s circumstances. Or mine. Or yours. Maybe He won’t. But because He is unchangeable, we can serve Him no matter what.

 How to Combat Feeling Stuck with Hope

1. Fast and pray. Scripture reminds us that “you have not because you ask not” (James 4:2-3). Please don’t misunderstand me. Sometimes God answers “no” or “not yet” in the same way a parent answers her child’s request for something. However, through prayer and fasting, we seek to align our will with His.

This article, written by Blaire Parke, provides more context for James 4.

2. Set SMART goals and take action steps. If you can alter your circumstances, do it—one small step at a time. Do you live with fibromyalgia, lupus, or another autoimmune disorder? Begin setting exercise, diet, and mental health goals.

Are your challenges relational? Consider couples counseling, family therapy, or individual therapy. Or, meet with believers skilled in prayer ministry.

If the hard edges in your life involve mental illness and a family, seek support. Consider a group like Circles of Hope.

3. Praise God. While toxic positivity denies reality, a heart focused on Christ recognizes trauma, suffering, and struggle—and praises Him anyway. The decision to worship looks beyond momentary to eternal.

 

It’s Job choosing worship in the ashes.

David finding comfort in the Father after the loss of his son.

And Daniel lifting his voice regardless of a king’s decree.

 

If discouragement taps at the door of your heart, I encourage you not to lose hope. Engage in the battle. He is the God of hope. (Romans 15:13).

While toxic positivity denies reality, a heart focused on Christ recognizes trauma, suffering, and struggle—and praises Him anyway. #praisegod #overcominghopelessness Click To Tweet

Peace and grace,

Tammy

 

I sometimes link up with the following wonderful bloggers:

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Tammy Kennington

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