Reasons for Hope in Sorrow and Despair?

We all sorrow and we all despair.  In the midst of troubling times and downcast feeling, how do we find real hope? Are there reasons for hope in sorrow and despair?

Our ministry is name Reasons for Hope* Jesus because only Jesus is true and everlasting hope.  While the secular world might suggest many reasons for hope in the future and it does promote a hope of better days ahead, only Jesus holds the future. And it will be His purpose and plan that will come to pass.  In Him alone can we trust.  

Jesus alone gives us true reasons for hope—reasons that give us the confidence to face whatever comes our way.  And we can have confidence knowing that Jesus is good and loving and kind.  He is merciful, gracious, and overwhelmingly generous to pour out blessings of comfort, peace, hope, and assurance to those who are His.  

Yes, God loves the whole world, and Jesus died to pay for the sins of all people, but the riches of the blessings of God are given only to those who belong to Jesus.  In Him, we find: 

Strength for the Day,
Hope for the future and
Joy in the Journey.

Reasons for Hope in Sorrow and Despair

1. God is Sovereign! 

That means that He is in control and nothing happens outside of His will.  Whether God causes something (providential will) or allows something (permissive will), God is good and has a good purpose and plan in it. In God’s will and ways, we can trust.  2 Cor 1:8-9, James 1:2-4

2. God loves you!

In Christ, you are His child (Read: What does it mean to be a child of God) Even people who don’t seem lovable are loved by God. God is love (1 John 4:8,16) and He loved the world so much that He sent His Son to live and die for us, to pay the price for our sin, so we could enter into relationship with Him forever (Isa 61:1-3).

3. God is working in your life! 

Just as a father with a child, God works to train you, His child, and grow you into a mature and faithful member of His family (1 Corinthians 1:8, Eph 2:10, Phil 1:6).

4. God has given you His Word, prayer, and other believers to strengthen you!

Through the written words of God (Rom 10:17, 2 Tim 3:16) and in praying to Him (Ps 5:3, 34:15, Jer 29:12-13, Prov 8:17, 1 John 5:14, James 4:8), we are able to have a close and intimate relationship with Him and grow in our knowledge of Him.  Through fellowship with other believers (Gal 6:2, 1 Thess 5:14, Heb 10:24-25, 1 John 1:7)we also grow in knowledge and faith and find strength in daily life.

5. God will never leave you!  

You are never alone. You are in Christ, and, by the power of His Holy Spirit, He is with you always. (Heb 13:5,6, 1 Cor 3:16, 6:19)

6. God’s promises are true! 

We can trust that every promise God has made (and every word He has spoken) is true and faithful. (2 Sam 7:28, Ps 119:60, John 17:17)

7. In Christ, you have everything you need. Therefore, even in despair, you can have hope!

Trusting in our sovereign Triune God, and His love for us, and His truthfulness and faithfulness in all He says and does produce a confident expectation (hope) for the future. (Isa 40:31, 1 Pet 5:10, 1 Thes 1:3, Col 1:27, Eph 1:18, Heb 10:23,

8. In Christ, you have everything you need. Therefore, even in despair, you can have joy and peace! 

You have been redeemed and made a new creation.  Anything you suffer now is nothing compared to the glory to come that Jesus has promised (Rom 8:18).  One day we will see Jesus, face to face (1 Cor 13:12), and all things will be made new (Rev 21:4).  Find your satisfaction in what Christ has already done for you and in what He is now doing in you (2 Cor 4:16) and you will find peace (Ps 4:8, Ps 23, Isa 26:3, Mat 11:29, John 16:33)

Paul wrote to the Philippians…

Phil 4:6-9  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy; meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.