We live in challenging times, struggling every day with discouragement and disillusionment. And exactly in such times, God’s Word encourages us it is time to hope again and be glad because of what He is about to do.
“But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy.”–(Isaiah 65:18)
Here is a sneak peek of my guest post at Devotableapp.com about how we can hope again when we feel discouraged.
Sometimes I simply can’t take it anymore. It is simply too much. I can’t hear another heart-breaking story or see a child crying, or listen to a hurting friend without having the feeling I will collapse under the weight of so much pain.
My heart cries to the Lord for comfort and relief, and deep longing finds its way through my sobs and muttered words. I want to live in a world without pain, without sorrow, without injustice. My desire is for a world without tears and death. I want Eden restored. Is this an impossible dream?
Remember to pin me for later!
Time to Hope Again
God paints for us a glorious vision of the future, a future in which the faithful believers will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever. (Revelation 22:4-5)
If you need to learn more about the renewal of all things, I can recommend the amazing book of John Eldridge “All Things New: Heaven, Earth and the Restoration of Everything You Love”.
If you enjoy devotionals, this is my favorite devotional book based on the above book: “Restoration Year: a 365-Day Devotional!”
More Encouragement for You
If you need more resources and encouragement to restore your hope I can highly recommend these books. Check them out.
Draw Near: How Painful Experiences Become the Birthplace of Blessings by Hadassah Treu
Trusting God in All the Things: 90 Devotions for Finding Peace in Your Every Day by Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk
Make Up Your Mind: Unlock Your Thoughts, Transform Your Life by Denise Dubois Pass and Michelle Nietert
Life Can Be Good Again by Lisa Appelo
It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lisa Terkeurst
Hope When Life Unravels: Finding God When It Hurts by Adam Dooley
Restoration Year – a 365 Days Devotional by John Eldredge
All Things New by John Eldredge
A Roadmap for Cultivating Hope
How can we bridge the gap between this glorious vision and our broken reality? How can we be sure it is time to hope again? What to do in the days and moments when we can’t take it anymore and hope dwindles? Isaiah gives us a roadmap for cultivating hope and joy.
In chapter 65 God speaks again about His unwavering intention to create new heavens and а new earth. He promises that the former things will be forgotten. Then He instructs us always to rejoice in what He will create.
Read the rest of the post at Devotableapp.com and be strengthened and encouraged.
Your Turn
What do you do when you feel discouraged? Come share your experience in the comments and on social media. Thanks!
In challenging times, God’s Word encourages us to hope again and be glad because of what He is about to do. #encouragement #devotion @devotableapp Share on XDo you want to watch this post as a vlog? Click HERE. If you found it helpful, please subscribe to my YouTube channel. Thanks!
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I LOVE thinking ahead to Heaven and what awaits, especially being in the presence of a loving Saviour. No more crying or sin or pain. Thanks for this reminder. 🙂
Thanks so much, Kara! Yes, it is helpful to remind ourselves of the life God has prepared for us in eternity!
Thank you for your constant encouragement and hope, Hadassah. So thankful to have met you on the world wide web! 🙂 Bless you!
Thanks so much, Rochelle! Yes, it is wonderful to meet and get to know each other on the web. Even though we are so far away physically, we are close in our hearts and minds, and that’s awesome! 🙂
Thank you so much for your encouraging post! It really spoke to my heart and uplifted me! He is our hope always!! Thank you so much friend!! So thankful!
Thanks so much, Nikki! I am so glad that the post encouraged you! Blessings to you!
You are such a gifted encourager, friend! Every time I read your words, I am uplifted and powerfully blessed! I just give God glory for how he is helping you share your struggles and point others to him! Keep on keeping on, girl!
Your words bless me and encourage me too, my dear friend! Sending hugs and love!
You have an anointing on your writing to share hope! Clicking over to read the rest.
Thanks so much, Kelly! I am happy I could serve as a hope-bringer! 🙂
Thanks for your constant encouragement. I don’t know what people do when they don’t have hope in the Lord to see them through tough times. I appreciate your reminder about looking to Isaiah for guidance.
Thanks so much, Lisa! Yes, without hope in the Lord ist must be extremely depressing and hopeless. I love the book of Isaiah, it is one of the most quoted books in the New Testament, and for a good reason! 🙂
There are some really difficult things going on in the world today but you’re right, it is time to hope again. Things will get better.
Thanks, Mike, for your optimistic and positive attitude!
I really appreciate this reminder ❤️ Hope is so important.
Thanks, Ann! Yes, we need hope to keep going. I am so thankful that in God we have a firm and steady hope.
I agree it is time to hope again. When I feel discouraged the Holy Spirit brings to my remembrance scripture that I can say regardless to how I may feel at the time. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Betty! Yes, remembering the truths in God’s Word and putting our trust in them, is a great way to stay hopeful.
“Our feet walk in this world, but we fix our eyes and hearts on another reality–on God’s kingdom and His loving presence.” Beautifully written! Thank you for this post. So many reminders of why our Hope in Christ never dims.
Thanks so much, Peggy! I am glad that the post encouraged you. Blessings to you!