I think that out of all the bad feelings one can have in this life, hopelessness has to be the worst. It causes us to lose our motivation for even the simplest things in life, like eating or taking care of ourselves. It can feel like a black cloud hanging over you and that there is no end in sight. Life becomes harder than usual, and as much as others may try to help us, their words fall on deaf ears.
For those who struggle with situations that life may throw your way, these feelings of hopelessness can be overwhelming and very frightening.
Instead of trusting God, you allow that black cloud to close in on you and it feels like God has walked away, leaving you alone to struggle with the hundreds of questions that seem to have no answers.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 says,
“That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our inner strength in the Lord is growing every day. These troubles and sufferings of ours are, after all, quite small and won’t last very long. Yet this short time of distress will result in God’s richest blessing upon us forever and ever! So we do not look at what we can see right now, the troubles all around us, but we look forward to the joys in heaven which we have not yet seen. The troubles will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.”
When I read this, I ask myself, “Where do I put my hope?” Honestly? I find myself, time and time again, placing my hope on man finding the answer to my problems rather than trusting in God. Shame on me! I should immediately repent before God and ask for His forgiveness for allowing hopelessness to become an idol in my life and allowing it to replace my faith and trust in Him.
Whatever we are going through and/or whatever life may throw our way, we need to trust God and know that without Him, there is only hopelessness. God is hope, that’s what He offers and that’s who He is.
Heavenly Father, I pray that whenever I feel down or discouraged, You’ll remind me that You are a God of hope and possibilities. Help me to remember that I allow myself to become hopeless when I focus on my problems rather than on You. Amen.