What Should We Do When Hope Seems Lost?

We are always shocked when successful public figures like Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain take their own lives. We look at them and say, “They had it all. Money, notoriety, an exciting life. How could they be unhappy?”

But it’s a sober reminder that riches don’t satisfy, people will disappoint and our hope cannot be placed in material things.

Hebrews 6:19 says, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm an secure.”

That hope is faith in Jesus Christ—no other.

We shouldn’t be surprised by occasional instability in our lives. Sometimes we cause it. Other times it is triggered by the environment around us. When we experience the ground shifting beneath our feet, we must cling to our immovable Savior who intercedes for us. It’s important to:

  • Step up our prayer time.
  • Lay all the problems at His feet.
  • Fast and humble ourselves before God, knowing that only he is capable of changing the hearts of men.

We may think we are in control, but we are not, and when we lose our grip on a situation and don’t know where to turn, that is when hopelessness potentially sets in. That’s why we need Jesus, the first place we should run to, not the last.

In the Bible, Jesus is not only described as an “anchor,” but he is also referred to as our “rock” and our “cornerstone.” He’s the foundation on which we should build our lives. He is strong when we feel weak. Psalm 28:7 says, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.”

There was a time in my life when my public career in television as well as material things were my focus, but that career ended and the designer clothes and purses wore out. If my hope had remained in those temporal things, where would I be? I am thankful that when the bottom dropped out midway through my television career, it was the catalyst to rededicate my life to Christ and rebuild it on a more secure foundation. The next time my career let me down, I had peace because I was confident that God had a better plan—and He did.

When hope seems lost in the rocky waves below, seek the way, the truth and the life, Jesus. When people disappoint, ask Him to show you how He sees them. When a situation seems out of control, boldly plead for a solution. Ask God to provide calm in the midst of the turmoil.

When you think all hope is lost, do not despair because there is hope within reach.

Grab the Anchor.

 

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6 Comments

  1. Thanks, Lisa. I was laid off two weeks ago, and while job hunting is not what I saw at this time in my life, I trust that God has something better planned for me.

    1. Tracy, I will pray for you during this time. Seek Him in this “In-Between” stretch of your life. I wrote a blog called “Jesus In Between.” I would recommend your reading it for encouragement. You can search for it on this website. When I knew my television career was coming to an end, I looked for a job in the want-ads and literally prayed over them. One position had a neon light around it. I interviewed twice, then was offered the job. He did not make me flounder around at that time. The transition was quick and it was a wonderful place to work. Keep me in the loop! Blessings, Lisa

    1. Thanks Donna! The Holy Spirit wrote that one because I started with another blog idea! He does that to me sometimes. Blessings, Lisa

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