From Hopelessness to Hopefulness

Scripture:  Isaiah 41:10 - Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

The opposite of hopelessness is hopefulness. Many of God’s servants have felt hopeless or discouraged/depressed. Elijah said “O Lord take away my life” (I Kings 19:4).  Jeremiah said “Behold, O Lord for I am in distress”(Lamentations 1:20). Jonah said “It is better for me to die than to live”(Jonah 4:8).  Moses said “I am not able  to bear all this people”(Numbers 11:14).  

Everyone has experienced feelings of discouragement or hopelessness in their lives. It may happen if you have experienced a loss, a major life change, loss of a loved one or job, or relationship issues. There may be long periods of discouragement or depression – especially in these times that we are facing now. There are many ways that people deal with discouragement or distress. Some people talk to a therapist, share what they are going through with family members or close friends, exercise on a regular basis. If you have a chemical imbalance, you may have to take medication regularly. Above all, what is crucial/helpful after inviting Jesus Christ into your life is to daily read, meditate on God’s word and pray – seeking the Lord’s guidance, direction and strength, comfort, and deliverance. God’s word (the Bible) is the source of inspiration/comfort in all of our challenging times.  Certain Bible verses are a reminder to me that the Lord is there to lift me up, give me peace, to strengthen me, to deliver me of whatever I am dealing with. Before I invited Jesus Christ into my life, I struggled with anxiety, low self esteem, worrying, discouragement, being extremely introvert, and feeling hopeless. Some of the scriptures that helped me and will always help me  to overcome are as follows:

•II Corinthians 10:5 -  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
•Deuteronomy 31:8 -  And the Lord, He it is that doth go before thee; He will be with thee, He will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.
•Joshua 1:9 -  Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
•Psalms 9:9 - The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
•Psalms 23:4 - Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
•Psalms 40:1-2 - He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
•Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
•Matthew 11:28 -  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
•John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
•I Peter 5:7 - Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.

Discouragement leads to hopelessness and despair. On the other hand, complete trust, belief, and dependence on the Lord leads to hopefulness and peace. Isaiah 26:3-4 - Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. 4 Trust ye in the Lord forever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.  Isaiah 40:29-31 - He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Romans 5:3-4 - And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope.

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  I am so grateful that You have given us all that we need to go from hopelessness to hopefulness! Help me to always keep my eyes stayed on You and not get distracted. All this I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)