How can I maintain hope when I feel helpless in discouraging circumstances?

Daniel 3:21-28So they tied them up and threw them into the furnace, fully dressed . . . So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell into the roaring flames. But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, “Didn’t we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?” “Yes, Your Majesty, we certainly did,” they replied. “Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!” . . . Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire. . . . Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke! Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.”

Luke 12:11-12“And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.”

In discouraging circumstances, we shouldn’t panic but start praying. If we do, we will experience God’s presence and power.

Matthew 6:25-34“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”

In discouraging circumstances, we should keep our eyes on God, keep following his priorities, and keep praying. We will experience his peace.

Romans 12:12Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

In discouraging circumstances, we should remember that God is sovereign and loving. When we are patient and prayerful, we will discover the joy of knowing that this deep love is at work in us and for us.

Romans 15:4Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

In discouraging circumstances, reading God’s Word and applying it to our lives will helps us discover the power of God’s promises.

Psalm 27:14Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

Isaiah 40:31Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Waiting quietly and patiently for God to work takes bravery. When we do, however, we will be amazed by God’s provision for us in all circumstances..