Biblical Answer

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Your Question:

How do we keep hope alive in the desert of despair?

Answer:

As a pastor, I've seen many people struggle with hopelessness, feeling like their hopes are empty and hollow. But I truly believe that hope is not something we can live without. In fact, it's a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith. As the Bible says, "Hope will only grow in the ground of humility" (234 Humility and Hope). This means that we must be willing to surrender our pride and acknowledge our limitations in order to cultivate hope.

When we face disappointments and setbacks, it's easy to feel like giving up on hope altogether. But that's exactly what the enemy wants us to do. Hope is not a feeling, but a choice. It's a decision to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when things don't go as planned. As the prophet Haggai says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance" (James 1:2-3). This is the kind of perseverance that allows us to keep hope alive, even in the midst of desert trials.

As a father and a husband, I've seen the devastating effects of unfulfilled hopes on relationships and careers. But I've also seen the transformative power of hope in the face of adversity. When we choose to trust in God's promises, even when things seem impossible, we open ourselves up to a deeper level of joy and fulfillment. And it's not just about avoiding disappointment; it's about experiencing the fullness of life that God has promised us. As the Bible says, "We have a hope that a tear- and grief-free new creation will be established" (Rom 8:22). This is the hope that sustains us, even in the darkest of times.

Sources:

christian apologetics
douglas groothius
depression
edward welch
introduction biblical ethics
robertson mcquilkin
my utmost for his highest
oswald chambers
.from creation to the cross
albert bayliss

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