Christian Devotional: Feeling Hopeless?

We all face times of uncertainty or worry. We would not be human if we didn't feel occasional upset or suffer a sense of hopelessness. God realizes this, and offers many situations and verses in The Bible for our comfort. Let's explore two verses in the book of Hebrews which encourage Christians to hold on to hope of God's promises and rewards. The first deals with staying in faith, and with fellowship with other Christians to help each other stay hopeful and spread Christ's love through our actions:

Hebrews 10:23-24 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

This passage in Hebrews encourages Christians to hold fast to their faith in God and in the promise fulfilled by Jesus to save all who accept Him as their savior. It reassures Christians that God holds true to His promises and is faithful to His word. When we live by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), we realize that God is working faithfully behind the scenes to ensure His plan is unfolding as it should. In this verse, we as Christians are also encouraged to uplift each other and help each other fulfill God's second most important commandment , that we love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31). It is not always easy to be kind to certain people we encounter, so God helps us by calling us to encourage each other. As Christians, we should inspire each other toward spreading Christ's love. One way we do this is through fellowship. Another is through being role models to younger Christians. Additionally, we can share with others Christ's powerful message without saying a word, through our deeds, behaviors, and actions (Matthew 5:16).

The verse goes on to advise in Hebrews 10:35-36:

³⁵So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. ³⁶You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

Again, this verse is one which encourages us by reminding us that God has great rewards for His faithful servants. Of course, the greatest of these rewards is everlasting life through Christ (John 3:16). However, our God is so kind and giving, that He has also made other promises to those who seek Him and accept Christ as their savior. In John 14:12-14, Jesus Himself says that anything we ask for in prayer will be done for us. Now, this does not mean that God hands us whatever it is we ask, but rather that anything God does is part of His divine plan for us (Jeremiah 29:11), and He has plans for our prosper. So take heart! Although Jesus doesn't promise a life without trouble, He has overcome the world (John 16:33). It is important as Christians, to remain confident and heartened in God's word. In a world that God Himself says will give us trouble, it can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. Remember though, God prepares us for such battles (Ephesians 6:13-18), and also urges us to seek fellowship with other like-minded Christians, so that we can help each other stay strong in Christ (1 John 1:7).

Finally, a prayer for those feeling hopeless:

Dear Lord, I pray today that your word encourages those who are feeling hopeless today. I pray that your light shines in the heart of everyone who seeks you, so that they may feel comforted and supported. I pray that your words and promises help to refresh our faith so that we can inspire others to seek you and be comforted by you. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen