How to Have Hope in a World that Seems Hopeless

Hope. Something that everyone wants, but few are able to keep. When we look out into the world, especially with everything going on these days, hope seems like a very far-off dream.

I know I personally have had times where I struggled to hold on to hope. Everything around me felt so hopeless. In those moments, others would try to help me by telling me to “look at the bright side of things.” They would say, “just stay positive.” But this often just made me feel worse. 

Every time I would go on social media, I would see another tragedy. When I turned on the news there would be reports of another disaster happening somewhere. I started to question what God was doing and why do people have to endure so much suffering.

But I discovered a way to keep my hope up even in the midst of this hopeless world. And I would like to share it with you. Of course, there is no way to fully understand what others are going through, so some of these tips might not be for everyone. But I hope that through this, everyone will be able to hold onto hope even just a little bit more.

Tip #1: Look Towards God and His Promises for Hope

The first thing that really made a difference for me was turning to God. I know this may sound like an obvious thing, but sometimes it can be really difficult to do. Especially when you are feeling lost in the sea of hopelessness.

A verse that really helped me put things into perspective was Lamentations 3:33. It says that God does not willingly bring affliction and suffering on people. So, it helped me realize that while we don’t want to suffer, God also doesn’t want us to suffer. So surely, He must have a plan to help us.

This helped me to stop questioning, and at times, even blaming God. As I read more in the Bible, I was able to see the hope that God has given us. And I came to understand that God wants to give us life and peace. 

The Hope and Perseverance of Joseph

One of my favorite figures in Biblical history is Joseph. That’s because even though he went through many difficult situations, he was able to trust in God. He held onto the hope that there was a plan for good. It always amazed me how, despite being sold by his brothers into slavery, labored as a slave in Egypt and imprisoned, Joseph still held onto the hope that God would deliver him from his circumstances.

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

Genesis 50:20

Every time I read this verse, I still feel inspired to strengthen my life of faith and hold on to the hope within God’s plan. And to do it no matter what situation I may find myself in. 

Take Heart that God is the Ulimate Promise Keeper

Since God keeps all of his promises, this is a secure and certain hope everyone can hold on to. People and circumstances may change, the future may look uncertain and hopeless, but God is there through it all. So, by turning to God and placing your hope in His promises, then surely you will not be disappointed. Just like it says in Isaiah 40:28-31, God is everlasting and does not grow weary.

Do you now know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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 40:28-31

Even if we stumble at times, He promised to renew our strength so we can soar like eagles. We just need to keep our hope in Him. The imagery in this verse is amazing and is always helpful in overcoming tough times.

Tip #2: Staying Healthy Spiritually 

Another thing that has greatly helped in keeping my hope alive has been to focus more on my own spiritual health rather than on everything going on out in the world right now. It’s not selfish to take care of yourself first and then give support to others.

I’m sure anyone who has traveled in an airplane before has heard those pre-flight safety instructions. They emphasize putting on your own oxygen mask before assisting others. Taking care of our spiritual health is the same.

We must make sure that we are spiritually healthy because what’s the value in helping others when our own life of faith is insufficient? Just as Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:27, he had to discipline himself so that after preaching to others, he would “not be disqualified for the prize”.  

So, by focusing on my own personal relationship with God, I was able to persevere in the midst of the storms and trials that came from the outside through the hope in the Word.

Even just taking a short break each day to relax with a nice cup of tea or coffee and read the Bible, pray or spend some time meditating on a daily verse has added consistency to my spiritual growth and health plan. This promoted a feeling of peace and allowed me to remind myself once more of the hope there is in God.

Psalms is always a good place to start when needing a spiritual pick-me-up. So if your hope is starting to fade away, try going to Psalms 55 and 57 to be reminded that God is always by your side. 

Hold Onto Your Hope – Things Will Get Better

Even though these tips might sound simple, the reality is that there are times when finding hope still seems impossible. I know there were times in my life when the situations became too overwhelming and the last thing I wanted to do was read my Bible. But in those moments was when I needed God the most.

Even though it was difficult, and sometimes involved a few tears, I would try to pray and share everything with God when the situation was too much to handle. And, honestly, those were the times when my hope and perseverance was strengthened the most. So, even if it isn’t on the top of your list of things to do, when hope is fading, turn to God and focus on staying spiritually healthy.

Written by Lily

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For more encouragement and reminders of God’s promises, check out these posts!

…And God Will Wipe Away Every Tear

Could a World of Peace Ever Exist?

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