Finding Hope in DarknessSample

When It Seems Hope is Lost

In Scripture, the word "hope" refers to a strong and confident expectation of God's goodness. Hope is what gets us out of bed in the morning. Hope is what propels us to invest in the future. Hope is what gives us the tenacity to stand strong in difficult times. 

I love that this spring The Salvation Army put up billboards with the messages: "Hope is Greater Than Fear" and "In Uncertain Times, Hope Stands Strong."

And in Romans 15:13, we receive this exhortation:

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

The devil knows how powerful hope is and that's why he hates it. He looks to steal hope whenever and wherever he can. If he can trick you into thinking that nothing will ever get better, that there's nothing you can do to change the situation, and that God cannot be trusted, he knows he's immobilized you. He's stolen the special light in you that was meant to shine. 

If you're feeling that darkness now, I want you to know that there is always hope. In this study, we'll be looking at how you can experience an overflowing sense of hope in God no matter what your situation. 

"Why are you in despair, O my soul?

And why have you become disturbed within me?

Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him 

For the help of His presence."

~Psalm 42:5