How can I maintain hope in discouraging circumstances?

Jeremiah 31:25“For I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing.”

Matthew 11:28Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

Romans 8:27-28The Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Galatians 6:9So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

Hebrews 12:3Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.

We can become discouraged and lose hope when we are weary, tired of difficult circumstances, or not seeing the expected results of our good work. When that happens, we should remember that God is in control and that he is the Source of our rest and hope. Even when we don’t see results, he is working in and through us.

Daniel 2:10-19The astrologers replied to the king, “No one on earth can tell the king his dream! And no king, however great and powerful, has ever asked such a thing of any magician, enchanter, or astrologer! The king’s demand is impossible. No one except the gods can tell you your dream, and they do not live here among people.” The king was furious when he heard this, and he ordered that all the wise men of Babylon be executed. And because of the king’s decree, men were sent to find and kill Daniel and his friends. When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, came to kill them, Daniel handled the situation with wisdom and discretion. He asked Arioch, “Why has the king issued such a harsh decree?” So Arioch told him all that had happened. Daniel went at once to see the king and requested more time to tell the king what the dream meant. Then Daniel went home and told his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah what had happened. He urged them to ask the God of heaven to show them his mercy by telling them the secret, so they would not be executed along with the other wise men of Babylon. That night the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven.

Daniel 3:21-28So they tied them [Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego] up and threw them into the furnace, fully dressed . . . So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell into the roaring flames. . . . “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. Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. 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.”

In discouraging circumstances, we should not panic! Instead, we should start praying. We will discover God’s presence and gain hope.

Isaiah 26:3You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

Matthew 6:25-34“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.”

Even though our circumstances may be discouraging, if we are pursuing God’s work, he will surely give us what we need to complete anything he has given us to do.

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

If we are losing hope during discouraging circumstances, we should remember that God is sovereign and loving and be patient and prayerful. This will lead us to discover the joy of knowing God cares for us.

Psalm 119:43, 74, 81, 114, 147Do not snatch your word of truth from me, for your regulations are my only hope. . . . May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word. . . . I am worn out waiting for your rescue, but I have put my hope in your word. . . . You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope. . . . I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.

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.

During difficult and discouraging circumstances, we should read, study, and apply God’s Word. God’s promises will inspire, encourage, and motivate us.

Psalm 62:5Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.

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

Psalm 31:24So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!

Isaiah 8:17I will wait for the Lord, who has turned away from the descendants of Jacob. I will put my hope in him.

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.

Although this may not be easy, during discouraging times, we should wait quietly and patiently for God to work. His plans never fail.