Seemingly hopeless situations drain away our hope, joy and strength to face a new day. Christ's finished work, however, empowers us with hope and peace that goes beyond understanding, enabling us to face any situation, no matter how dire it may seem. Are you faced with an apparently hopeless situation right now?
Here are some reasons why you should stay hopeful even in the midst of such a situation.
1. God is in control
The Lord our God is sovereign, and He is in control of all things. He reminds us of this truth in Isaiah 46:9-10.
"... remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'"
2. God will take good care of you
God is our Good Shepherd, and when He is the one taking care of us, we can be assured that it's all going to be fine. We should trust Him and follow His lead. Psalm 23 speaks of this great truth.
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
3. Christ has overcome for you
There is no amount of hopelessness that Christ hasn't overcome. His resurrection from the dead even proved to us that the most hopeless moment – death – has been defeated. Jesus encourages us to take heart in what He has done, according to John 16:33.
"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
We are also encouraged to hope in the life that Christ gives: a life with Him, even if we are already dead when He comes back, as read in 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10.
"For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever."
Take heart
Take heart in the love of God for you, my friend. We all face seemingly hopeless situations every now and then, but let us not lose hope. Our God is alive, active, and He reigns supreme over all. Let us put our hope in Him.
