WHEN YOU LOSE HOPE

When we lose hope, life feels like it is over. Whenever we are faced with the challenge of living through a difficult tragedy or loss,  it takes everything we have to just face tomorrow. To somehow see how life can possibly work now that our plans are shattered, or when a relationship has ended. It makes starting over seem like an overwhelming impossibility. In that winter of the soul, we deeply feel the loss of hope.

We know that we cannot live in the shadow of past regrets, but we can be tempted to. We can and must find ways to live in today's new beginning. Starting anything over is no easy task. To have the courage and confidence to create a new beginning calls upon every inner resource that we possess.

Life is Painful when you Lose Hope

Sometimes, circumstances happen that we have no control over, yet we have to live with the impact of the consequences nonetheless. Our hope might have been placed in someone or something that went wrong, or has come to an end; what we had hoped would happen is suddenly laying at our feet in broken pieces.

When you lose Hope you must not give up

It just doesn't seem fair to have your heart broken, to lose a cherished family member, or find that recent financial problems have led to seeing one's home foreclosed upon. Every piece of our life is connected to another piece of our life. It is devastating to lose hope that nothing will ever turn out like we had dreamed. We must find the raw courage to go on. In reality... yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not here yet, so we must find a way to live for today. 

When you lose Hope you must allow yourself time to Heal

It is no easy thing to pretend it just doesn't matter to have lost something precious that was important or meaningful in your life. To wake up each morning and put on the happy face, the serious face, or it really doesn't matter face, only works for a little while. All too soon you find yourself time drifting back to the past, lost in a sea of regret, or caught up in the worries of tomorrow, that just leaves you broken once again. You must allow yourself time to heal.

It can be so difficult to move on when you cannot see a way to rebuild a shattered dream. In truth, we may just have to let that dream go. We will need to give the pieces to God, and seek His will for whatever is to come. The Will of God never leads you where the Grace of God cannot keep you.

Only a life with Jesus Christ can give us the wondrous capacity to live in the present, while being painfully grieved with a tragedy that has crushed our hopes. This is specially so when we are filled with anxious uncertainties about the future. How is that possible? 

What did Jesus do with men who had Lost Hope?

One day two disciples of Jesus Christ were walking along the Road to the city of Emmaus, about 7 miles from Jerusalem. Their hearts were overwhelmed with events that had taken place just a few days before. Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, had been crucified, and was dead and buried in a tomb in Jerusalem. With that tragedy, so were their hopes and dreams. Time had literally stopped for these disciples.

“Now that same day, two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened.”  Luke 24:13-14.  They desperately needed some way  to make sense of what had happened.

Jesus drew near and walked with them

“As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus Himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing Him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked Him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” Luke 24:15-18

Jesus encouraged them to verbalize the reason for their lost hope

Jesus Christ stepped into real time as it was happening in the present, and met with two confused, hurting disciples. Sometimes we fail to remember that God reaches out to us at the point of our deepest felt need.

Even though He already knew, He wanted to have them express their own perspective on what was specifically troubling them. “What things?”  Luke 24:19a

Jesus allowed them to share what was heaviest on their hearts

We can so easily cut people off and give eloquent advice, applicable verses from the Bible and even offer to pray for hurting people, but we far too seldom are patient enough to allow them to share the depth of their heartbreak or the impact of their shattered dreams upon their lives. What a confusing time it must have been to so many people when Jesus Christ, the expected Redeemer, the Lord of Salvation, was crucified.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed Him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that He was the one who was going to redeem Israel.

 

Jesus Understands what it is like to lose Hope

"And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find His body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said He was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” Luke 24:19b-24

Jesus brought truth from the Scriptures to reach their troubled hearts

We can encourage people with poems and songs, gifts and hugs, but people only truly feel genuine comfort when God’s Word enters their troubled hearts and minds.

“He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter His glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself.”  Luke 24:25-27

Jesus never pushes Himself upon us but wants us to invite Him near

“As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged Him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So He went in to stay with them.When He was at the table with them, He took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him, and He disappeared from their sight.” Luke 24:28-31  

 

Jesus ignited their troubled hearts with New Hope

When people are open with God, and allow His Word to impact them, they will never be the same. The Lord is present with us and He will reveal truth to our troubled minds and catch our hearts on fire with new hope if we will allow Him to be the Lord of yesterday, today and tomorrow. He alone holds time in His hands.

“They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24: 32

One of the most difficult things to do in life is to live in the reality of the present. We need to lock into the now of our lives. We struggle most with the discipline of being present and accounted for. These disciples finally stopped in their tracks, stepped out of the past, forgot about the future, and grasped the critical reality that was theirs in the present. 

Allow God to Create New Hope Within

“They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when He broke the bread.” Luke 24:35 

When you are dismayed over the lose of hope, always remember that there is no problem in your life that God cannot help you find the answers to, so that you can begin to create a new pathway for your life.

• When your heart is heavy, remember that Jesus is near
• He will walk you through how to sort out of your concerns
• He wants you to be honest and open about your fears
• Be open to hear what the Scriptures say about your troubles
• Invite The Lord to draw near as you sort out what to do
• Ask Him to set your heart on fire, not just fix your problem
• Determine to follow through and apply what He has revealed to you

Thoughts to Ponder:

Why is it so hard to release to God what has caused so much pain in our lives?


What is it about a loss of hope that makes it so hard to trust again?

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34

Take a moment to listen to this encouraging song by Plumb entitled " Broken Places"

When you have a Broken Life

With broken pieces of my life I try to build once more,
I cut my fingers on the glass, a mess upon the floor.
How can I rebuild broken dreams into a better thing,
When complications fill my mind and heartaches play like strings?





  





  
I lift the pieces from the floor and throw them all away,

yet one remains to puzzle me and remind of better days.
It is called hope and seems to be a way to start again,

my life so out of focus now, it says I must begin.

To find for me my special place, a haven from the storm,

and never let my true self try to mimic or conform.
So take the bitter with the sweet, the winter with the spring,
as day by day my song takes flight as my heart begins to sing.

The melody will lift the heart of the weary and the sad,
As I begin to radiate the healing that I've had.
Don't ever think a life's so gone you cannot take the chance,
to take the hand of your inner child and lead her in the dance.

As others see you come their way, your walk will be so sure,
that living life and finding hope is not a simple cure.
It comes with reaching up and breathing gentle prayer,
the gift you're given, a door of hope, now handle it with care. 

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

“I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry.² He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.³ He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God."  Psalm 40: 1-3 


Listen to this song on video by Matthew West, as it is encouraging and inspirational for girls who have been wounded in their lives and continue to be...broken.

Where is God When Trouble Comes

Trouble has a way of stalking us like an unwelcome shadow. We don’t awake in the morning and shout,” Wow! I hope this day is just filled to the max with trouble for me. I hope that the worst trials will happen. This is going to be one exciting day!” Quite the opposite is true. We awake with a whispered sigh that we hope that the day goes well, that we really desire less challenges to our patience, and more uplifting positive experiences throughout the day.

The difference between trouble and our shadow is that we can control the cast of a shadow by standing in a bright room. There is still a shadow there but it is so slight that it is not easily seen. Trouble however, is elusive, unpredictable, often unannounced and most of the time, we can see it as caused by something or someone other than ourselves.

The Reality of Trouble

We all go through times of trouble. Sometimes you can feel all alone and without any resources to figure out what to do. You may even find yourself asking, "Where is God when trouble comes?" The Scriptures teach that God is never far away, and especially reminds us that He draws nearer to us in times of trouble. It was Jesus Christ Himself who said to His disciples one day,

"I have said these things, so that in Me you might have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:32-33

Trouble is often Blamed upon God

Some people logically reason that when God is involved in our lives, and if we are seeking to follow Him sincerely, instead of troublesome times, our days should be easier, more stress free and that others would treat us respectfully. When Moses was trying his best to figure out what God wanted him to do, and as he sought to gain freedom for the Israelite's from slavery in Egypt, he found himself up to his neck in trouble and couldn't figure out why. In fact, he started blaming God for the trouble that had come crashing down upon him.

“The foremen said to them, “May the Lord judge and punish you for making us stink before Pharaoh and his officials. You have put a sword into their hands, an excuse to kill us!” Then Moses went back to the Lord and protested, “Why have you brought all this trouble on your own people, Lord? Why did you send me? Ever since I came to Pharaoh as your spokesman, he has been even more brutal to your people. And you have done nothing to rescue them!”  Exodus 5:21-23

In Times of Trouble you can feel Abandoned by God

The tougher the trouble gets, the more we can feel that God has let us down and is not near, but far away. 

“Oh Lord, why do you stand so far away? Why do you hide when I am in trouble? The wicked arrogantly hunt down the poor. Let them be caught in the evil they plan for others. For they brag about their evil desires; they praise the greedy and curse the Lord.”  Psalm 10:1-3

The problem is one of perspective. We tend to measure the faithfulness of God by the intensity of our trouble, instead of measuring the intensity of our trouble by the Majesty of our God.

The Reasons for Trouble

Trouble can be God's way to get our Attention

Sometimes the very trouble that comes into our lives by way of difficult circumstances may be God's attempt to get our attention. King Saul was not one to follow God's way of doing things, and he struggled under the prodding of His Spirit. When God's Spirit is convicting our hearts on a matter, it is very uncomfortable and distressing, until we open our hearts and deal with the matter.

“Then Saul sent word to Jesse asking, “Please let David remain in my service, for I am very pleased with him. Whenever the tormenting spirit from God troubled Saul, David would play the harp. Then Saul would feel better, and the tormenting spirit would go away.” 1 Samuel 16:22-23  

God's uses of times of Trouble when Dealing with Mankind 

It seems that the only time people cry out to God for His help is when times of trouble come their way.


“For what hope do the godless have when God cuts them off and takes away their life? Will God listen to their cry when trouble comes upon them? Can they take delight in the Almighty? Can they call to God at any time? Job 27:8-10

Trouble can be Blamed upon God’s People 

When troublesome times come upon the lives of others, especially when they are in direct communication with God's people about their need to turn to God and not resist Him, God's servants can become the target of persecution.


“But about this time tomorrow I will send my officials to search your palace and the homes of your people. They will take away everything you consider valuable! Then Ahab summoned all the elders of the land and said to them, “Look how this man is stirring up trouble! I already agreed with his demand that I give him my wives and children and silver and gold.” Don’t give in to any more demands,” all the elders and the people advised.” 1 Kings 20:6-8

Trouble comes as a Consequence of One’s Action’s 

It should come as no surprise, when we know that we have done wrong to another, that troublesome consequences become the by product of our wrong actions.


“But you must bring your youngest brother back to me. This will prove that you are telling the truth, and you will not die.” To this they agreed. Speaking among themselves, they said, “Clearly we are being punished because of what we did to Joseph long ago. We saw his anguish when he pleaded for his life, but we wouldn’t listen. That’s why we’re in this trouble.”  Genesis 42:20-22

Trouble is often removed based upon Faithful Prayer,
Repentance, and Obedience 

When our hearts are right with God, and we seek His blessing and protection, God is pleased to bless our lives.


“There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful. He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request.” 1 Chronicles 4:9-11

1 Chronicles 4:9 Jabez sounds like a Hebrew word meaning “distress” or “pain.” 

The Results of Trouble

Trouble should cause us to turn to God

If you only pray when you are in trouble, you are in trouble. We have to realize that today is the tomorrow we worried about yesterday. God wants our hearts to be prepared, in The Quiet Place, alone with Him, so that when trouble comes, we can step into it with faith, courage and an acknowledgement that God's will shall reign, regardless of the troublesome circumstances that have befallen us.

Notice the example of the Israelites in the Old Testament:

“For a long time Israel was without the true God, and without a priest to teach them, and without the Law to instruct them. But whenever they were in trouble and turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and sought him out, they found Him.  During those dark times, it was not safe to travel. Problems troubled the people of every land” 2 Chronicles 15:3-5

Trouble Burdens the Heart and is seen by Others 

It is no easy thing to hide the burden of our troubles from others. It shows in our eyes, and the way that we conduct ourselves. We are created to glow from the inside out. The more the heart is troubled the more that it shows. 

Nehemiah could not hide the heaviness of his heart from King Artaxerxes'


“Early the following spring, in the month of Nisan during the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes’ reign, I was serving the king his wine. I had never before appeared sad in his presence.  So the king asked me, ‘Why are you looking so sad? You don’t look sick to me. You must be deeply troubled.’ Then I was terrified, but I replied, “Long live the king! How can I not be sad? For the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” Nehemiah 2:1-3

Trouble Causes a Restless Heart 

When times are tough, we find little comfort or pleasure in life. Job was so overwhelmed that he could only see the dark clouds of trouble that were enshrouding his life.


“So I looked for good, but evil came instead. I waited for the light, but darkness fell. My heart is troubled and restless. Days of suffering torment me. I walk in gloom, without sunlight. I stand in the public square and cry for help.” Job 30:26-28.

Trouble can be used by others to Criticize you

As your faith becomes weakened by the troubles of life, the very friends that once gave respect and affirmation to you, may now so easily become your harshest critics.

“Your words have supported those who were falling; you encouraged those with shaky knees. But now when trouble strikes, you lose heart. You are terrified when it touches you. Doesn’t your reverence for God give you confidence? Doesn’t your life of integrity give you hope? Job 4:4-6

The Collateral impact of Trouble

Times of trouble can cause fallout upon those who are closest to our lives.  Sometimes innocent people are caught up in the consequences of someone else's wrongful actions.

“Then Joshua and all the Israelites took Achan, the silver, the robe, the bar of gold, his sons, daughters, cattle, donkeys, sheep, goats, tent, and everything he had, and they brought them to the valley of Achor. Then Joshua said to Achan, “Why have you brought trouble on us? The Lord will now bring trouble on you.” And all the Israelites stoned Achan and his family and burned their bodies. They piled a great heap of stones over Achan, which remains to this day. That is why the place has been called the Valley of Trouble ever since. So the Lord was no longer angry.”  Joshua 7:24-26

Trouble can Impact others due to Someone's Wrongful Choices

When someone in leadership makes choices that have tumbledown impact upon those who are under their authority, innocent people are impacted by their actions. 

“So I confronted the nobles of Judah. “Why are you profaning the Sabbath in this evil way?” I asked. “Wasn’t it just this sort of thing that your ancestors did that caused our God to bring all this trouble upon us and our city? Nehemiah 13:17-18

Whole companies and organizations have been shut down and have gone under due to the wrong decisions of  management. Thousands of people have lost their jobs and their homes as a result.

What to Do When Trouble Comes your Way

Spend Extra Time in the Word Of God 

It is critically important to stay in the Word of God during times of trouble. Tough circumstances need Biblical insight to have wisdom on how to deal with them. 

"Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105

“Your testimonies are wonderful [far exceeding anything conceived by man]; therefore my [penitent] self keeps them [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying them]. The entrance and unfolding of Your words give light; their unfolding gives understanding (discernment and comprehension) to the simple.”   Psalm 119:129-131 

Maintain a Regular Time in The Quiet Place  

Maintain specific times to be in The Quiet Place. It is only as you worship God, and are comforted by His Love that life's troubles come into perspective. God alone can give you the strength you need to work through times of trouble as you wait on Him.  
“I will give You thanks with all my heart; I will sing praises to You before the gods. I will bow down toward Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your Word according to all Your name. On the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul. ”  Psalm 138:1-3

You may wonder, "Where is God when trouble comes?" We all do at times. Just remember that He is as near as a prayer away. The Quiet Place is a special time for you to seek God and gain hope and perspective on life. Read through several appropriate articles found here in The Quiet Place. It is my prayer and genuine hope, that you will find comfort and peace here.