We’re living in a time when many are feeling hopeless. We all feel some level of trauma and grief in the aftermath of the recent natural disasters. Some have lost all they own, and some have loved ones who died during the storms. Many of us are dealing with the impact of lost jobs, supply chains breaking, and the soaring cost of living. For some, feelings of hopelessness stem from a medical diagnosis. Yet others are suffering from broken relationships that have caused feelings of despair. These are not just ‘bumps in the road’ but challenges that will persist for a while and often are through no fault of our own. 

When we find ourselves downcast, depressed, and in despair, we need hope. David gives a perfect model in Psalm 42 and 43 of finding hope. Repeatedly throughout the chapters, he rhetorically asks himself, “Why so downcast, oh my soul?” and then speaks life to himself as a reminder of how to find hope. I love many versions of the Bible, and The Living Bible (TLB) translation of Psalm 43:5 speaks David’s heart in relatable terms. “O my soul, why so gloomy and discouraged? Trust in God! I shall again praise Him for His wondrous help; He will make me smile again, for He is my God.”

When we find ourselves downcast, depressed, and in despair, we need hope.

Finding hope and being able to smile again when the odds are against you is complex yet simple. What I mean by that statement is that the simplistic answer is that real and lasting hope can only be found in Christ, yet it is a complex process to move from feelings of hopelessness to hopefulness. There are several action steps we can take when looking for hope. Let’s examine some of them. 

Allow Yourself to Grieve

Your situation is genuine, and it is normal for you to grieve when the odds are against you. 

Consider Job’s situation, which is written in the Bible. He is the perfect example of someone who loves God, lives a righteous life, and yet experiences severe trials and afflictions. As life unfolded, one loss after the next, Job could not do more than cry out to the Lord for mercy. Within a short span, he lost all of his property, his children, and his physical health.

I have friends and colleagues who’ve gone through devastating circumstances rivaling Job’s. Like Job, they love the Lord, yet grief overcomes them. Perhaps you’re reading this and can relate. I want to encourage you to take the time to grieve and ponder the other points I am making. 

Grief is cyclical and on an individualized timeline.  According to the frequently used book On Grief and Giving, denial and shock are the first stages, anger comes next, bargaining (pleading with God for a different outcome) is the third stage, extreme sorrow comes fourth, and then acceptance. Some people stay in a stage for a while before moving forward, others move forward and then regress several times, and some just move through. Move at your own pace, but allow yourself time to grieve your situation while still trusting God and finding hope for the future. 

Determining Outcomes, You Are Hoping For
Our situations can be as diverse as creation, so there is no ‘one size fits all’ outcome. You must look at your situation (without comparing it to someone else’s) and determine what result you are hoping for. Most of us have many different situations going on simultaneously, which, when compiled, create cumulative stress and hopelessness. 

Not all outcomes are within our control, which can lead to further hopelessness if our perspective is not correct. I’ve heard it said that our responsibility is to do all we can to identify the desired outcome, take specific action steps to create the intended outcome, pray, and then leave the final outcome to God. 

Oftentimes, thinking and acting strategically will create the desired outcome. For example, suppose the outcome for a dire medical situation is healing. In that case, one might research extensively on how God created our bodies to filter toxins and regenerate blood, cells, and bones. A further action step might be to eliminate the usage of all non-organic foods and products. This is an example of how we can take specific steps to promote the desired outcome, regardless of the medical prognosis. Then, we leave the ultimate result to God, knowing He has the final word. 

Practice Self-Care (Fun, Food, Fellowship)

If you are like me, the last thing you feel like doing when all hope seems lost is to get together with others and have fun. Yet, it is exactly what you need to be doing! God makes it clear that we are to live interconnected lives and draw support from each other in the good times and bad. Satan, the enemy of our souls, loves to keep us isolated. Part of self-care is to set aside the situation for a while and enjoy food, fun, and fellowship with others. Some struggle to even get up and shower each day, wondering what the point is of going through the motions. Agreeing to meet a friend for coffee or dinner with a small group forces us to care for ourselves.

God makes it clear that we are to live interconnected lives and draw support from each other in the good times and bad.

Prioritizing your self-care is not selfish. Engaging in self-care is good for the mind, body, and spirit and serves to reset your thinking process, alleviate cortisol (stress), and help you refocus on God instead of your circumstances. Get outside, breathe fresh air, get some exercise. Take naps, read uplifting books, listen to Christian music. Treat yourself to a salon visit, or buy ingredients to make a Pinterest-worthy dessert. Spend some time engaged in your favorite hobbies. 

Trust in the Lord

Jesus Christ is our living hope. He alone is the one we can trust with our lives and for our future. People will fail us, the government will fail us, science will fail us, but Jesus Christ will not fail us. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His Word is unchanging, and what was true when written generations ago is true today in our generation. 

We do not face hard times alone. A beautiful promise of hope is found in Isaiah 43:2 (NLT): “When you go through the deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through the rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” 

When we face hard times, and the odds are against us, we can trust that God is working on our behalf and will be with us. He will not leave you or forsake you. His promises endure forever and always bring hope to a seemingly hopeless situation.