Finding hope is possible, even in what may seem impossible.
Finding hope is something we all need right now. Often, it can seem like an out of reach dream. Seeing the brokenness in the world, the hurting people, the division, and hatred can cause one to lose all sense of hope. Many times in life, I look around and wish I could do something, yet I feel utterly helpless.
How can I make a difference from my suburban home?
What do we do when we feel helpless?
How do we find hope?
These are some of the questions that have swirled through my mind over and over again. Do we search with no answer? No, there is an answer. Today, let’s work through some basic solutions.
Finding Hope When You Feel Hopeless
First, remember we always have hope in Jesus and stay rooted in Him.
He has said there WILL be trouble in this world but not to worry because He has overcome it all. We can have hope and peace because of this.
We must remain rooted in Jesus so that when the storms come, we remain strong. Simple ways to remain rooted:
- Spend time daily reading God’s Word.
- Use a devotional such a Songs of Hope.
- Spend time in prayer.
Second, we can be a light right where we are.
I cannot change people. I cannot control what others say or do, but I can control what I say and do.
Matthew 5:14 – 16 says:
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
I can choose to:
- be proactive rather than reactive.
- love others no matter the differences.
- train my little ones to love others.
Friends, when it seems like all hope is lost and there is nothing we can do, that is the moment we need to stand even stronger.
We do not need to be discouraged because our hope is not in people but in Jesus Christ and there is a steady peace that comes in knowing that.
When we feel helpless, we can remember that we can make a difference right where we are. Yes, even in that suburban home. There are endless ways to be a light from loving your neighbors to supporting missions around the world.
All those little moments with our kids, the training in the everyday moments, are making a difference because we are raising the next generation. We can choose to teach our kids how to love and be lights in the darkness.
As we go about our week, we can step out in trust, knowing that God is in control. We can be intentional as we faithfully train the next generation to love and be love. No matter what differences there may be in others, we can extend a helping hand. Our love can shine with the love of Jesus. Now isn’t that something to be excited about?
Suddenly, all hope does not seem lost because in a world of darkness there are many lights shining, and together we will make a difference.
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One of my dear friends just started a challenge group on Facebook for the month of February. We’ll all be dropping love bombs right in our own communities! Thanks for this dose of encouragment!
Liz, that is wonderful! Spreading the love all around! Have a wonderful start to your week!
I think you have hit on a wise point – make the difference right where you are. Each of us can make a difference in the life of 1. You brought to mind the verse in Acts which tells us that God has placed us where we are and in this time for His purposes. I think this is my first time here so, "Nice to meet you!"
Nice to meet you as well Joanne! I love that verse in Acts- that does fit perfectly!
Like you, I see so many fatherless, so many widows, so many oppressed and wonder what I can do. Your words today show me that God is not calling me in a general way to the whole world, but rather to the next hurting person that I see — one at a time.
Thanks, Keri!
Thanks Michele, that means so much to hear you say that. It is so hard seeing all of the hurt but very helpful to focus in on what we can actually do to help. Have a great day!
There is so much pain out there – it can be overwhelming. I was just thinking about this as I left work this afternoon. Your advice to be proactive rather than reactive is a wonderful place to begin. Visiting you from Lori Shumakers link up. xo
Thanks for stopping by Laura, yes just being careful with our words and actions is a good place to start. We have become so used to using our words as weapons. Have a wonderful day!
Hi Keri,
It really does seem overwhelming at times, doesn’t it? Here I am in the comfort of my home feeling as though I can’t help. But the truth is that if we each do our one little part and that may be as simple as positively influencing those in my small little world, it will make a great big difference! We sow those seeds that God will grow. It will multiply through generations and make a long and lasting difference. Thanks, friend, for sharing this beautiful hope with us at #MomentsofHope!
Hugs,
Lori
Thanks Lori, that is so true about God sowing the seeds. It is a beautiful thing to think about that! Have a wonderful rest of your week!
It feels very overwhelming, but I’m glad our church has a ministry devoted to this so I can join in there.
That is wonderful! What a great thing to be a part of!
Keri,
We absolutely can make a difference right where we are, we can be a light that shines hope into the shadows others cast. We can be a wave of grace and mercy where it is unexpected. We can love beyond the differences and we can broker peace as a promise not a demand. Your words are full of the whispers of these things, and in light of the hard hurtful things being advocated they are a welcome respite of hope.
Blessings,
Dawn
Dawn, thank you so much for your sweet words.They encouraged me so much today. I hope you have a wonderful day!