There was a season in my life when I was filled with hopelessness. My life was falling apart, and I woke up every day with what felt like the weight of the world on my chest. I had two small children at the time, an infant and a toddler, and every day felt like a steep, uphill battle. I was exhausted and raising them alone, overwhelmed with the situations swirling around me. I’m normally a very outgoing person, but I remember sitting down every night, rocking my baby to sleep and wondering when it would ever get better.

I knew it would, eventually. It had to. But when you’re so deep in that pit of sadness, it’s hard to see how God will bring you out. People would tell me “this too shall pass,” but in the middle of hopelessness, there’s little anyone can say or do to make you feel better.

By God’s grace, I’m now 6 years removed from that dark season. Yet I still look and see people I know and love fighting through their own hopelessness: the wife who is losing her husband to cancer, the single mother with no food and three days until payday, and the young woman fighting daily anxiety attacks. Yet, even in the midst of these dark times, where it seems there is no way out, God’s Word reminds us that with him, there is always hope.

Maybe you feel hopeless today. You are in a dark place, overwhelmed by the situations you are facing and wondering when it will ever get better. In times like these, we encourage you to explore the hope of God’s Word.

1. The pain won’t last forever
   He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain. The old things have disappeared.– Revelation 21:4
2. Praise God, even when it’s hard
   Why am I so sad? Why am I so troubled? I will put my hope in God,and once again I will praise him,my savior and my God.– Psalm 43:5
3. Give your burdens to God
   Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.– Matthew 11:28
4. When you are weak, God is strong
   His answer was: “My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.” I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ's power over me.– 2 Corinthians 12:9
5. Keep your eyes on Jesus
   I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me;he freed me from all my fears. The oppressed look to him and are glad; they will never be disappointed.– Psalm 34:4-5
6. God will strengthen you
   But those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles;they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak.– Isaiah 40:31
7. Don’t stop praying
   Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times. – Romans 12:12