Holding On To Hope: Part 5 Maintaining Your Hope
Throughout our journey in this series, we've explored what biblical hope truly is, how faith serves as its foundation, why hope plays an essential role in the believer's life, and the rewards that come from maintaining hope. Today, in our final installment, we'll examine practical strategies for maintaining hope through every season of life—especially during challenging times when hope seems most difficult to sustain.
Recognizing Hope Challenges
Before we can effectively maintain hope, we must first recognize the warning signs that our hope is diminishing. Scripture provides clear indicators that help us identify when our hope needs renewal:
Three Tell-Tale Signs That You're Losing Hope
1. You stop confessing what you're in faith for:
Words reveal inner reality: Jesus taught that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34). When hope diminishes, our confession changes—often without conscious awareness.
Silence replaces declaration: Rather than speaking God's promises over your situation, you become increasingly silent about the outcome you're believing for. This isn't the same as quiet confidence; it's the silence of resignation.
Negative talk increases: Eventually, negative statements begin replacing positive declarations. You find yourself talking more about the problem than the promise.
Faith confession maintains momentum: Proverbs 18:21 tells us that "death and life are in the power of the tongue." When you stop speaking words of hope, you stop feeding your faith and start feeding your doubts.
Regression follows cessation: Remember this principle—when you stop confessing, you start regressing. Your verbal declarations aren't just expressions of hope; they actively strengthen it.
2. You experience a loss of peace and begin to feel desperate or depressed:
Peace is a hope indicator: Philippians 4:7 describes "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding." This supernatural peace is a natural byproduct of active hope.
Anxiety replaces confidence: As hope diminishes, anxiety increases. You find yourself constantly worrying about outcomes rather than resting in God's promises.
Desperation drives decisions: Rather than making decisions from a place of confident expectation, you begin making choices from a place of fear or panic.
Depression clouds perspective: Hope gives us the ability to see beyond current circumstances. When hope diminishes, depression often follows as our perspective becomes limited to present problems.
Emotional instability increases: Without the stabilizing influence of hope, emotional ups and downs become more extreme and frequent.
3. You start feeling like if you don't make it happen, it won't happen:
Trust shifts from God to self: Instead of relying on God's ability, you begin to feel that everything depends on your efforts alone.
Controlling behaviors increase: You attempt to manipulate outcomes and control circumstances rather than trusting God's timing and methods.
Stress levels rise: The burden of trying to make everything happen through your own efforts creates unsustainable stress levels.
Human networking replaces divine connection: You find yourself relying more on who you know than on Who you know. Human connections replace divine connection as your primary source of confidence.
Rest disappears from your life: The God-ordained rhythm of work and rest is disrupted as you feel you can't afford to rest until your breakthrough comes.
Building and Rebuilding Your Hope
When you recognize these warning signs, it's time to intentionally build or rebuild your hope. Romans 15:4 tells us: "For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."
This verse reveals a crucial truth: hope can be intentionally cultivated through engagement with God's Word. Let's explore three keys to building and maintaining hope, with practical steps for each:
1. Know the Word of God
"If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." - John 15:7
The Word of God serves as the primary fuel for hope. Here's how to effectively engage with Scripture to maintain hope:
a) Find specific promises for your situation:
Generic faith isn't as powerful as specific faith: While general biblical principles are valuable, finding promises that specifically address your circumstances provides stronger hope anchors.
Create a personalized promise collection: Identify and document verses that speak directly to your current challenges. This becomes your spiritual arsenal.
Study the context: Understanding the context of each promise strengthens your confidence in applying it to your situation. Know not just what God promised but to whom and under what circumstances.
Cross-reference related promises: Look for multiple scriptures that address your situation from different angles. This creates a more complete picture of God's provision.
Memorize key promises: Internalize the most relevant promises so they're available to your spirit even when your Bible isn't in hand.
b) Meditate on these promises daily:
Meditation goes beyond reading: Biblical meditation isn't emptying your mind but filling it with truth. It involves pondering, speaking, and absorbing Scripture until it becomes more real than your circumstances.
Speak promises aloud: Hearing yourself declare God's promises strengthens your faith and hope. Romans 10:17 tells us, "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
Visualize fulfillment: As you meditate on promises, allow your imagination to envision their fulfillment. See yourself experiencing what God has promised.
Ask revelation questions: While meditating, ask questions like: "What does this reveal about God's character? How does this apply specifically to my situation? What conditions, if any, are attached to this promise?"
Engage both heart and mind: True meditation engages both intellectual understanding and spiritual absorption. It's not just comprehending truth but internalizing it.
c) Align your expectations with God's promises:
Let Scripture shape expectations: As 1 John 5:14-15 teaches, confidence in prayer comes from asking according to God's will. When your expectations align with Scripture, your hope has a solid foundation.
Identify and correct false expectations: Sometimes, our hope diminishes because we expect something God hasn't promised. Examine your expectations in light of Scripture.
Release time frames: While maintaining confidence in what God will do, release rigid expectations about when He'll do it. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that God's ways and timing often differ from ours.
Expect progressive fulfillment: Many promises are fulfilled progressively rather than instantly. Appreciate each step toward complete fulfillment rather than dismissing partial manifestation.
Maintain hope during delays: Delays aren't denials. Hebrews 6:12 encourages us to "imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." Both faith and patience are required.
2. Know the Power of God
"Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?" - Exodus 15:11
Understanding and continually reminding yourself of God's unlimited power helps to maintain hope when circumstances seem impossible:
a) Nothing can compare to God's power:
Study God's creative power: Genesis 1 reveals God creating the universe through His spoken word. The same power that formed galaxies is available for your situation.
Explore His redemptive power: The resurrection demonstrates God's power over death—the ultimate "impossible" situation. If God can conquer death, your challenge isn't too great for Him.
Examine historical demonstrations: Scriptures like Deuteronomy 4:32-35 invite us to consider God's unprecedented demonstrations of power throughout history. These aren't just stories but evidence of His ongoing capability.
Consider personal testimonies: Reflect on times in your own life when God's power overcame seemingly impossible situations. Your personal history with God provides evidence for your current hope.
b) Nothing can compete with God:
No situation exceeds His authority: Matthew 28:18 declares that all authority in heaven and earth belongs to Christ. No circumstance, person, or spiritual force can successfully challenge His authority.
No problem surpasses His ability: Ephesians 3:20 describes God as able to do "far more abundantly than all that we ask or think." His ability exponentially exceeds even our highest expectations.
No force can resist His purpose: Romans 8:31 asks, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" This isn't suggesting opposition won't arise but that no opposition can ultimately prevail against God's purpose.
No enemy can overcome His protection: Psalm 91 describes comprehensive divine protection that shields those who dwell in God's presence. This protection operates on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels.
No constraint limits His methods: God isn't limited to working within the boundaries of natural laws, human timelines, or expected methods. He often does the extraordinary when ordinary methods won't suffice.
c) No one can circumvent God's plan:
His purposes prevail: Proverbs 19:21 states, "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand." Despite opposition, God's plans succeed.
His word accomplishes its purpose: Isaiah 55:11 promises that God's word "shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
His timing is strategic: Ecclesiastes 3:11 assures us that God "has made everything beautiful in its time." What seems like a delay to us may be strategic timing from God's perspective.
His ways transcend human understanding: Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours. What appears to be a detour or setback may be part of His perfect plan.
His sovereignty overrules interference: Job 42:2 declares, "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted." Even when circumstances or people interfere with God's plan, His purposes ultimately prevail.
3. Understand the Love of God
"He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love." - 1 John 4:8
Hope flourishes when we truly comprehend God's love. It's one thing to know God is powerful; it's another to trust that His power is motivated by His perfect love for you:
a) God's love is unconditional:
It's not based on performance: Romans 5:8 tells us, "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." God's love precedes any good in us.
It doesn't fluctuate with your faithfulness: 2 Timothy 2:13 assures us that "if we are faithless, he remains faithful." His character doesn't change based on our performance.
It's not earned or deserved: Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that salvation comes "by grace...through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God." What is true of salvation is true of God's love—it's a gift, not a reward.
It's based on His nature, not yours: 1 John 4:8 states simply that "God is love." Love isn't just something God does; it's who He is. He cannot act contrary to His nature.
It encompasses mercy and discipline: Hebrews 12:6 reminds us that "the Lord disciplines the one he loves." Even God's correction flows from His love, not from rejection.
b) God's love knows no boundaries:
Nothing can separate you from it: Romans 8:38-39 provides comprehensive assurance that nothing "will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." This includes things present and things to come.
It transcends human capacity: Ephesians 3:19 speaks of "the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge." God's love exceeds what the human mind can fully comprehend.
It reaches the most distant: Luke 15 illustrates God's pursuing love through the parables of the lost sheep, coin, and son. His love actively seeks those who have wandered furthest.
It covers every dimension of life: Psalm 103:2-5 describes God's love expressed through forgiveness, healing, redemption, crowning with love, and satisfaction. His love addresses every human need.
It crosses every barrier: Galatians 3:28 declares that in Christ, social, ethnic, and gender barriers that typically divide humans are overcome. God's love transcends all human categories and distinctions.
c) God's love always causes Him to use His power to fulfill His Word in our lives:
His love motivates His action: John 3:16 shows that God's love motivated Him to give His Son. Love isn't passive emotion but active intervention.
His love ensures His attentiveness: 1 Peter 5:7 encourages us to cast all our anxieties on God "because he cares for you." Divine care guarantees divine attention to your needs.
His love guarantees His provision: Philippians 4:19 says, "God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Love ensures provision.
His love secures good outcomes: Romans 8:28 assures us that "for those who love God all things work together for good." God's love orchestrates even difficult circumstances for beneficial purposes in our lives.
His love completes what He starts: Philippians 1:6 guarantees that "he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion." What God's love initiates, His love completes.
Practical Strategies for Maintaining Hope
Beyond these fundamental keys, here are specific strategies for maintaining hope in different seasons and circumstances:
During Extended Waiting Periods
1. Practice present-tense gratitude:
Thank God now for what you're believing for: Gratitude isn't just for what you've already received but for what you're confidently expecting. Jesus modeled this at Lazarus's tomb, saying, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me" (John 11:41) before the miracle manifested.
Create a "pre-manifestation" thanksgiving list: Document specific aspects of what you're hoping for and regularly thank God for them as though they're already accomplished.
Celebrate small signs of progress: Zechariah 4:10 cautions against despising "the day of small things." Recognize and appreciate incremental movement toward complete fulfillment.
Find reasons for gratitude in current circumstances: Even while awaiting a breakthrough, identify aspects of your present situation that warrant thanksgiving.
Let gratitude shape your requests: Philippians 4:6 instructs us to present our requests to God "with thanksgiving." Approaching God with gratitude rather than desperation strengthens hope.
2. Engage in "as if" actions:
Act in accordance with what you believe: James 2:17 reminds us that "faith without works is dead." Identify and take specific actions that align with what you're hoping for.
Prepare for what you're expecting: Like Noah building the ark before seeing rain, prepare for the fulfillment of what you're believing for. This demonstrates genuine expectation.
Speak as though the promise is fulfilled: Use present-tense language when referring to what you're believing for. This isn't denial but a declaration based on faith in God's promise.
Make decisions based on promised outcomes: When facing choices, decide based on what God has promised rather than current limitations. This demonstrates hope-filled expectation.
Live from the inside out: Begin experiencing internally the joy, peace, and confidence that will come with manifestation. Inner reality eventually produces external reality.
During Intensified Spiritual Opposition
1. Recognize the attack on hope:
Understand that hope is a primary target: The enemy strategically attacks hope because it sustains faith during extended trials. When hope diminishes, faith struggles to endure.
Identify specific lies targeting your hope: 2 Corinthians 10:5 instructs us to take "every thought captive to obey Christ." Examine thoughts that diminish hope and identify their source.
Recognize when disappointment becomes hopelessness: Disappointment regarding timing or methods is normal, but when it evolves into fundamental doubt about God's promises, hope is under attack.
Watch for "hope fatigue": Extended waiting can produce weariness. Galatians 6:9 encourages us not to "grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
Observe when isolation increases: Spiritual opposition often includes isolation tactics. Hebrews 10:25 emphasizes the importance of "not neglecting to meet together" for encouragement.
2. Mount a strategic counteroffensive:
Deploy scripture declarations: Jesus countered satanic opposition with "It is written" (Matthew 4:4-10). Use specific scriptures to combat specific attacks on your hope.
Engage with a hope-filled community: Ecclesiastes 4:12 observes that "a threefold cord is not quickly broken." Connect with believers who can reinforce your hope when it weakens.
Worship strategically: Paul and Silas responded to imprisonment with worship (Acts 16:25). Strategic praise shifts our focus from the problems to God's faithfulness and power.
Return to foundational testimonies: Psalm 77:11 instructs, "I will remember the deeds of the LORD." Recall specific instances of God's faithfulness in your life and the Scriptures.
Intensify spiritual disciplines: James 4:7-8 promises that as we "draw near to God," He will "draw near to you." Increase prayer, worship, Scripture engagement, and fasting during heightened opposition.
Maintaining Hope Through Different Life Seasons
Different life seasons present unique hope challenges. Here's how to maintain hope through specific circumstances:
In Seasons of Loss
Embrace grief without surrendering hope:
Acknowledge pain honestly: Biblical hope doesn't deny genuine grief. Jesus himself wept (John 11:35) even while preparing to perform a resurrection miracle.
Distinguish between grieving and despair: Healthy grief acknowledges loss while maintaining confidence in God's ongoing goodness. 1 Thessalonians 4:13 speaks of grieving "not as others do who have no hope."
Allow appropriate expression: Psalm 62:8 encourages us to "pour out your heart before him." Authentic expression of pain facilitates healing rather than hindering it.
Recognize grief's normal progression: Grief typically moves through stages including shock, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These aren't linear but cyclical, and hope can be present throughout.
Seek comfort without demanding answers: Sometimes comfort comes not through explanations but through God's presence. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 describes God as "the Father of mercies and God of all comfort."
In Seasons of Transition
1. Recognize transition's purpose:
Understand that change serves growth: Just as Israel's wilderness journey prepared them for Canaan, transitions prepare you for new levels of purpose and effectiveness.
Distinguish between the familiar and the fruitful: What feels comfortable isn't always what's most productive. Isaiah 43:19 encourages us to perceive the "new thing" God is doing.
See transition as promotion, not punishment: Joseph's transitions—from pit to Potiphar's house to prison to palace—each served his ultimate promotion despite appearing as setbacks.
Recognize the stripping process: Transitions often involve releasing what worked in the previous season to embrace what's needed in the next. Hebrews 12:1 speaks of "laying aside every weight" that hinders progress.
Appreciate transition's transformative power: Transitions reshape character, clarify calling, and establish new capacities. Romans 5:3-4 describes how "suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character."
2. Maintain hope through transition principles:
Carry core promises through transition: While methods and manifestations change between seasons, God's foundational promises remain. Identify which promises transcend specific seasons.
Expect increased fruitfulness: John 15:2 describes God's pruning process: "Every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit." Temporary discomfort leads to increased productivity.
Anticipate fresh revelation: Transition periods often include revelation gaps followed by new insight. Habakkuk 2:3 encourages waiting for the vision that "will surely come."
Focus on the destination: Hebrews 12:2 describes Jesus enduring the cross "for the joy that was set before him." Keeping the destination in view sustains hope through difficult transitions.
Trust the transition process: Philippians 1:6 assures that "he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion." The process itself is under divine supervision.
In Seasons of Abundance
1. Guard hope during prosperity:
Remember the source: Deuteronomy 8:18 cautions, "You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth." Acknowledge divine source during human success.
Maintain spiritual hunger: Prosperity can diminish spiritual appetite. Psalm 63:1 models a continuing thirst for God: "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you."
Beware of self-sufficiency: Prosperity can create illusions of independence. Proverbs 30:8-9 wisely requests, "give me neither poverty nor riches... lest I be full and deny you."
Continue expecting greater things: Even in abundance, maintain hope for a deeper relationship with God and expanded kingdom impact. Jeremiah 33:3 promises "great and hidden things" to those who call upon God.
Guard against complacency: Revelation 3:17 warns against thinking, "I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing." Abundance can mask deeper spiritual needs.
2. Direct prosperity-fueled hope:
Develop greater kingdom vision: Prosperity should expand vision rather than merely increasing comfort. Consider how abundance can serve a greater kingdom purpose.
Hope for multiplication impact: Matthew 25:14-30 illustrates responsible multiplication of entrusted resources. Hope is not just for personal increase but for kingdom multiplication.
Anticipate generational blessing: Psalm 78:4-7 describes transmitting God's faithfulness "to another generation." Hope extends beyond personal experience to future generations.
Expect expanded influence: With increased blessing comes increased responsibility and opportunity. Esther 4:14 suggests divine positioning "for such a time as this."
Look toward legacy impact: Proverbs 13:22 observes that "a good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children." Hope focuses on lasting impact beyond immediate results.
Conclusion: The Unbreakable Cycle of Hope
As we conclude this series, remember that biblical hope isn't static but dynamic. It participates in a divine cycle described in Romans 5:3-5: "We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."
Notice the progression: challenges actually produce hope through the intermediate steps of endurance and character development. Then this hope "does not put us to shame"—it doesn't disappoint or fail—because it's anchored in God's love demonstrated through the Holy Spirit.
This means that the very challenges threatening to diminish your hope can actually increase it when properly processed. Each faith journey strengthens hope for the next journey. Each victory becomes evidence for future victories. Each manifestation of God's faithfulness reinforces confidence in His ongoing faithfulness.
I truly believe we can have unshakeable hope in:
The Word of God that won't return void
The power of God that can't be comprehended
The love of God that always causes Him to use His power to fulfill His Word in the lives of His people
I pray that this series has increased your understanding of biblical hope and expanded your capacity for hope. May you not just survive life's challenges but thrive through them, demonstrating to a watching world the reality of Christ in you, the hope of glory.
This concludes our "Holding On to Hope" series. May you continue growing in faith, hope, and love—these three enduring virtues—with the greatest of these being love.