6 Things to Remember When You Feel Like There Is No Hope

Do you look around and feel hopeless? Here are 6 things God wants you to remember when you don’t feel hopeful.

It is so strange to walk through stores with empty shelves. Never in my life have I seen so many things out of stock or in short supply. While we bemoan the absence of many things we often take for granted, this mindset of scarcity often extends to our hope. But this is one thing not in short supply today. Whether you felt hopeful when you rolled out of bed this morning or were immediately overwhelmed at the prospect of making it through another long, messy day, our hope remains because it is not dependent on us!

And it doesn’t stop there! Our hope is also not dependent upon our circumstances. We don’t have to wait until things get better. We don’t have to “skip to the good part.” There’s hope here in whatever God has gifted you with today. Here are some things to remember when you feel like there is no hope.

6 Things to Remember When You Feel Like There Is No Hope

1) Our Hope Is Not in This World.

Many people place their hope in improving government, better healthcare, bigger scholarships, or nicer housing—all of which are valuable and good things. But these things cannot comfort a heart that is broken or heal a body stricken with disease. As Christians, we look to something greater than comfort and security in life.

The character of our God is the only safe place to let our hope rest. It is because He will never change (James 1:17) and because He will never leave us (Hebrews 13:5) and because He is strong enough to keep us forever in His love (Romans 8:35–39) that we have hope for the challenges of today and the cares of tomorrow. Why are you cast down in your soul? When you feel like there is no hope, hope in God!

A great way to increase your hope in God is to study His character. Our #NotConsumed Prayer Journal includes an entire section focused on finding God’s character in Scripture and praising Him for areas of our life where we have seen that character trait displayed in His care for us. Encourage your heart and grow your hope with this beautiful resource!

2) Our Hope Is Not Foolish.

When we respond with “God is good” to a trial, it may seem foolish to those watching. Unbelievers might think we are simply in denial about the reality of life. But we have a higher reality! What looks like rose-colored glasses to the world are, in fact, lenses of eternity giving perspective to this short time we have on earth.

We find in 1 Peter 1:3–9 that our view of suffering and hardship in this life is informed by the perfect work of Jesus in saving us and providing the hope of an eternity of joy and worship before God’s throne. Though we may encounter suffering in the loss of a job or the death of a loved one, we know an eternity of blessing awaits us because of Jesus!

Ephesians 1:15–21 speaks of the hope we have in the riches found in Jesus Christ. We take heart because we know God’s plan to eventually bring all things back to the way they should be in the future. Our focus is not on this life but on the next, where Jesus will reign on earth and in heaven. This hope is as eternal as God’s love for us, His children.

3) Our Hope Is Not Based on Our Circumstances.

Maybe you feel like your life is a roller coaster with never-ending, unpredictable twists and loops. Or perhaps you are at the top of a mountain enjoying the breathtaking beauty around you. But whether you are on the mountain top or deep in the valley of the Shadow of Death, hope remains. Because it is based on the unchanging nature of our God (Hebrews 6:17–18), our hope will not get smaller or larger with our trials and joys. It is not diminished by our belief or lack of belief—it is unchanging though we are changeable.

Because God’s goodness is unchanging, you can be joyfully hopeful no matter what is going on in your life. When people see you smiling amidst tears and patient in pain, it will cause them to question, “Why does she have hope?” This is your opportunity to say, “My God gives me hope.”

4) Our Hope Is Certain.

How many times have we said, “I hope this Amazon package gets here on time,” or “I hope it doesn’t rain so my hair stays.” This kind of hope is not anything certain—in fact, it is the uncertainty that causes us to hope for a good outcome rather than an unfavorable one! But the hope of a Christian is not a vain wish for the best outcome.

One faithful pastor loves to explain hope as a “joyful, expectant certainty.” This is the hope of a Christian! We KNOW our Jesus paid for our sin. We KNOW our God is in control of all circumstances in our lives. We KNOW that eternity means life everlasting. Because it is found in the One who can never lie (Titus 1:2), our hope is certain. When we are tempted to feel like there is no hope, we can trust His certain promises (2 Corinthians 1:20).

We want to help you learn the certain promises of God so you can have hope inside you. This is why we have made our Hope Scripture Cards! As you meditate on the sure promises contained in these verses of Scripture, commit them to memory. Then send them to others to encourage them with this certain hope!

5) Our Hope Is Alive.

Sometimes we think of our hope resembling the ubiquitous dark tree that died five years ago but still tenaciously stands its ground against the decay of age. But this tenacity is only part of our hope! This hope we have is not just lasting—it is actively alive! It is not a beautiful flowering plant whose buds fade and whither as the plant goes dormant for winter. Our hope flowers and grows despite the fierce winter storms or biting frost.

When you feel like there is no hope, remember that because our Jesus lives, our hope is alive! Jesus is always interceding for us at the right hand of God (Hebrews 7:25). This means that despite our failures, uncertainties, or weakness, He never stops pleading for God’s mercy and grace for us. Because of this, we have new mercy for each day and certainty that our God is faithful (Lamentations 3:22–24). And this gives us hope.

6) Our Hope Is Life-Changing.

Do you live like you have this hope? How would it change your life every day if you submitted your worries to the loving care of your heavenly Father? Maybe the struggles would not drag us quite so deep. Maybe the setbacks of everyday life like laundry, messes, or school days barreling off the rails could be viewed as blessings rather than burdens—the cares and sorrows as opportunities to rest in mercy rather than flounder in anxiety.

Hebrews 6:19–20 tells us that the hope of Jesus anchors our souls. This steadiness transforms our lives and makes us calm in storms, patient in trials, and joyful in pain. This hope changes our lives.

Today, choose to live according to your hope!