We all go through stages of feeling hopeless – it is human nature, after all. Luckily, in times like this, we can turn our faith to God. But, what does God say about hopelessness?
What does God Say About Hopelessness?
Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus offered lessons which spoke directly to the hopeless and the pessimists, and which have been immortalized in scripture ever since.
Jesus says that suffering is only temporary for those who place their faith in him. Likewise, there is always an end in sight.
John wrote in Revelations:
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (21:4)
Hopelessness is Fixed by God
Jesus was an outcast. He taught a radically different life approach to everyone else, and as such, found himself shunned. However, he knew that his followers would struggle with the issues he was voicing, and so, he persisted.
As the Son of God, he understood what it meant to feel hopeless, and now, we can be comforted by his words.
Jesus said, “Will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you; he will give justice to them speedily.” (Luke 18:7-8)
He said this because he knew that his followers would face difficult times, but they would always be able to overcome them if they followed God.
How to Overcome Hopelessness with God
Refer to Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount, where he stated:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)
Even through difficult times, allow yourself to be comforted by the fact that this is all temporary. God says that hopelessness is something which can be overcome by faith.
After all, how can you feel hopeless knowing that you’re surrounded by God’s bounty?
Whenever you feel hopeless, remember that Jesus said:
“If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.” (Luke 17:6)
Feel Hopeful with the Lord
Remember, when everything feels difficult and you’re surrounded by hopelessness, who can you turn to if not the Lord?
God will not leave you. He will not lie. He will not let you suffer unjustly. Be reassured by the love of the Lord and follow in His example.
Throughout it all, He will guide you. As Exodus 14:14 says:
“The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
Whenever you feel lost, ask yourself, what does God say about hopelessness? You can refer to one of many passages, for example:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
How Can I Hope When Everything Feels Hopeless?
There are three main steps that you can follow whenever you feel hopeless. These are:
- Rely on the presence of God.
- Next, rely on the provision of God.
- Finally, rely on the power of God.
If you follow all three steps, you will allow yourself to follow God’s guidance.
Where Does God Talk About Hopelessness?
If you look, you will always find the answers that you are looking for. God often talks about hopelessness and how to overcome it, and you should feel comforted by the fact that He is there, guiding us through life.
Importantly, two passages which talk about hopelessness are:
“For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” (Romans 8:24-26)
“And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. Sing praises to the Lord, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.” (Psalm 9:10-11)