Finding Hope in the Midst of Hopelessness

Hopelessness is on the rise around the globe. The growing threats of war, hunger, strife, rebellion, conflicts, famine, shortages of many kinds are all working together to lead humanity into a world of constant fear onset by the hopelessness that society now offers.

Perhaps you are struggling with feelings of hopelessness brought on by situations and circumstances you feel you have lost all control of. Your world seems to be crumbling a little more every day? Perhaps there is a sickness you are struggling with? Financial difficulties? A lack of basic necessities? A need for a job or family struggles that just won’t go away?

It has been said that “Feeling hopeless and full of despair is just a slow way of being dead.” Maybe that’s how you’re feeling today? As though your life is slowly being sucked out of you? Perhaps you feel as though your hopeless situations are slowly draining the life right out of you?

Life was not always easy or grand for King David. His struggles often led him to a place of despair. He would finally make it to the place where he was standing tall upon the mountaintop of victory only to have himself suddenly knocked off by another discouraging situation. His life was filled with ebbs and flows, ups and downs, victories and defeats.

David recognized his personal inabilities. Though he was a great warrior, he understood his own abilities were limited—he needed a higher power to run beside him and to be there to pick him up and carry him when times became more than he could handle.

In a moment of desperation, David declared: “The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom should I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1 HCSB). He recognized God Almighty was that Higher Power. He knew there was no other he could place his trust in when troubles mounted and problems assailed and hopelessness began to set in.

Perhaps you are struggling to discover something, someone that can help you through your periods of desperation and despair? Perhaps you have longed for someone who you could confidently place your hope and trust in?

David said: “Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord cares for me” (v. 10). The Lord is concerned about you, your welfare, and all your situations. He will protect you, oversee you your life, watch over you every step and always be there as a constant help for you. He promises to never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). He is your hope when everything appears bleak and hopeless.

David concluded this Psalm with these reassuring words: “I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be courageous and let your heart be strong. Wait for the Lord” (vv. 13-14). Your security is found in the One who is always faithful to provide the assurance He has promised to all who remain faithful to Him.

David was certain of God’s goodness, grace and mercy. He understood he merely needed to wait upon the Lord and the Lord would deliver him and grant him the peace, security and hope he so desperately needed in his life. Today, quit focusing upon the mounting problems and simply trust in the One who will deliver you when you need it most. Find His hope in the midst of your hopelessness.

Scripture Reading: “The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom should I be afraid? When evildoers came against me to devour my flesh, my foes and my enemies stumbled and fell. Though an army deploy against me, my heart is not afraid; though war break out against me, still I am confident. I have asked one thing from the Lord; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the Lord and seeking Him in His temple. For He will conceal me in His shelter in the day of adversity; He will hide me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high on a rock. Then my head will be high above my enemies around me; I will offer sacrifices in His tent with shouts of joy. I will sing and make music to the Lord. Lord, hear my voice when I call; be gracious to me and answer me. In Your behalf my heart says, “Seek My face.” Lord, I will seek Your face. Do not hide Your face from me; do not turn Your servant away in anger. You have been my help; do not leave me or abandon me, God of my salvation. Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord cares for me. Because of my adversaries, show me Your way, Lord, and lead me on a level path. Do not give me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing violence. I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be courageous and let your heart be strong. Wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27 HCSB)

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, I need Your help Your help today. My life is filled with hopelessness. You alone are the Giver of hope. I need hope today. I need help today. I need Your direct intervention in every aspect of my life and situation. I pray You would step in and give my heart Your peace. Please help me as I face every day to do so with all my confidence placed in You. While everything else appears hopeless, grant me Your hope today, Lord. I trust in You. I love You. I need You always. In Jesus’ name…AMEN!