What can I do when life seems hopeless?

1 Samuel 1:10Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord.

Esther 4:1-3When Mordecai learned about all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on burlap and ashes, and went out into the city, crying with a loud and bitter wail. He went as far as the gate of the palace, for no one was allowed to enter the palace gate while wearing clothes of mourning. And as news of the king’s decree reached all the provinces, there was great mourning among the Jews. They fasted, wept, and wailed, and many people lay in burlap and ashes.

Isaiah 38:13About that time Hezekiah became deathly ill, and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to visit him. He gave the king this message: “This is what the Lord says: ‘Set your affairs in order, for you are going to die. You will not recover from this illness.’” When Hezekiah heard this, he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, “Remember, O Lord, how I have always been faithful to you and have served you single-mindedly, always doing what pleases you.” Then he broke down and wept bitterly.

James 5:13Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray.

When life seems hopeless, we can pray. In their hopelessness, Hannah, Mordecai, Esther, and Hezekiah each prayed to God, knowing that if any hope were to be found, it would be found in him.

Acts 16:24-25So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.

When life seems hopeless, we can worship. Paul and Silas were on death row for preaching about Jesus, yet in this hopeless situation, they sang praises to God. Why? Because they had an eternal perspective.

Proverbs 10:28The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing.

When life seems hopeless we can focus on eternity. No matter how hopeless things seem here on earth, in Jesus we have ultimate, eternal hope. People who don’t know Jesus Christ have nothing but a hopeless view of what happens after death. But those who know Jesus have been promised a joyful eternal future.

Philippians 1:23-25I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith.

Focusing on our eternal hope does not mean waiting to die. As much as we may long for heaven, we have a purpose here on this earth—one that impacts others’ lives and eternities.

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

When life seems hopeless, we can trust in God’s perfect timing. Patience is an important part of hope.

Haggai 1:9“You hoped for rich harvests, but they were poor. And when you brought your harvest home, I blew it away. Why? Because my house lies in ruins, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, while all of you are busy building your own fine houses.”

When life seems hopeless, we can persevere in putting God first. When we follow where he leads, we know we will be going in the right direction.

Psalm 18:4-6The ropes of death entangled me; floods of destruction swept over me. The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death laid a trap in my path. But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears.

Psalm 27:1The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?

When life seems hopeless, we should not let fear stifle our hope! Sin and evil may sometimes thwart our plans here on earth, but they cannot affect God’s plans for us in eternity!