Are you at a point in your life where you feel so overwhelmed that you seem to have no more energy to keep going on? Do you feel like you want to give up, throw in the towel, and not ever look back? Well, you are not alone. Many people do feel that way from time to time, especially those who are battling a serious illness, the loss of a loved one, a job, or depression, or those who seem to be experiencing constant failures in life.
In our most dire moments, when our failures have outweighed our triumphs, when sadness seems to overcome any joy left in us, we often feel like succumbing – but what we need at that moment is hope to see us through those difficult times. We need to reinvigorate our spirits and remind ourselves how good life still is in spite of what we are going through.If we only take a step back, we will realize that we have so many blessings for which to be thankful. When we begin to count them, we will also realize that there is no place for hopelessness, for while there is life there is hope.
Every single person carries at least a measure of hope in his or her heart. That emotion called hope keeps the spirit going, keeps the heart pumping, and allows hurting people to still keep their head up when everything seems to be going the wrong way. However, when hope is lost, it can lead to intense pain deep within the human spirit. Each day is difficult to live. Everything looks bleak and it can end up breaking a person’s spirit.
If you lose hope, you will also lose your focus. You begin to focus on negative thoughts. You start wondering why things are never going the way they should. You ask yourself why are you dealing with so many difficulties. At some point in their life, most people go through a time when they begin to lose hope. If you find yourself losing hope, take a moment to stop and really think about your life.
As humans, we can’t live without hope.Therefore we should never lose it. We have to remind ourselves and those around us, that there is hope for each of us. It is the lifeblood to our spiritual survival, and the only thing that pulls us out of the deep trenches of the pain and hurt in life. When you get to that point in your life when you feel all is lost, remind yourself that there are no hopeless situations — only people who are hopeless about them. We must have an unyielding faith that good things will happen if we only press on.
God in His wisdom knew that we cannot live without hope. That’s why the Bible says a lot about it including stories of people losing hope and stories of people finding it. Most of us pass through a phase when we feel completely discouraged and dejected. In these harrowing times, we need to turn to the Bible for verses for some hope and encouragement. The best example of hope in the Holy Bible is the story of a man named Job. God tested Job in many ways and took away all of his possessions but still in the end Job did not lose hope. He remained faithful to God. This story of the unwavering faith of Job should motivate us not to lose hope and cling to our problems. Problems are just a way of testing our faith in God. So, whenever you feel hopeless, turn to God and cast all your burdens on Him and He will clear the gray clouds from your sky.
No wonder the Bible connects hope and perseverance. Hope sustains when circumstances clamor for us to give up. Hope is found in God. Hope comes from knowing that God is powerfully working all things for our good and into His perfect plan. So when times get tough we need to turn to God and put our faith in Him.It is also important to note that hope also exists in a strong support system. You have people around you that love you and that are there for you. Too often we forget that. Lean on those around you because they want to be useful. Allow them to bolster you up, and return the favor when you can.
More than anything else, remember that each minute that passes is a minute that things can change in. You are not stuck in your situation. Everything in life is temporary – they are only for now. They are not permanent. They will pass. So take a breath and decide where you want to be in life and then carve yourself out a path to get there. Taking the first step is the best way to regain the hope that you thought you had lost.
Here are some scriptures we canalso memorize when facing tough times:
In you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse. Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. ~ Psalm 25:2-3-6.
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. ~ Isaiah 40:31.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you “. ~ Jeremiah 29:11-12.
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him. ~ Lamentations 3:25.
But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. ~ Micah 7:7.
Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. ~ Proverbs 24:14.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ~ Romans 15:13.
But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. ~ Jeremiah 17:7-8.
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. ~ Romans 5:5.
Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow down before you with their faces to the ground; they will lick the dust at your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in me will not be disappointed. ~ Isaiah 49:23.
Always remember, “Where there is no hope for the future, there is no power in the present”.
(About the Author: Mrs. Marilyn Hodge owns and operates the Wellness Centre in the Farrington, Anguilla. The Centre offers Counselling Services by Appointment Only. Contact information: 476-3517 or email: marilynb@anguillanet.com. Referrals can also be made directly through the Atlantic Star Center of Medical Excellence, South Hill, Anguilla. By Appointment Only: Tel 497-0765.)
