Guaranteed Hope in Despair When suffering leaves you battling despair and hopeless, convinced that you will never know anything but the pain that aches within you, fix your eyes on the truth that Christ is worthy to be trusted because he has shown his love for you on the cross.
The light of hope would shine in the face of a child. The next entrance ramp is important for us to remember, as well. Now, the city of Jerusalem was under siege by the Babylonians. The adversary uses despair to bind hearts and minds in suffocating darkness. He was greatly depressed and almost gave up in despair. God knows what we're going through and He has a plan for us all. As you might imagine, this terrified the fake flute player. But, it shines as far as I can step.. In verse 11 we read, "With this in mind we constantly pray for you." Amos 8:11-14. Allow difficulty to bring you to your knees in prayer. And just so that were clear; theres nothing wrong with presents at Christmas and getting gifts for those you love but the real light of hope is such a small thing it can almost be missed. I'd love to keep in touch with you and send you my latest blogs, posts, and updates via email. Why is it important to apply Gods word to your situation? We read about it in Exodus 33:17-19and Exodus 34:5-7. On these Sundays of Advent, leading up to the season of Christmas and beyond, I want to share with you how the light of Bethlehem still shines on us. I came here to find out what I should do to make my life better.. Hes the light of hope. As he had grown older, many of his friends had died. Do we give voice to this in our time together? Over the next four weeks we will be anticipating the celebration of the coming of Jesus Christ as Redeemer and Lord. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Then add to that all of the relationship dynamics that come along with missing out on church, missing the kids and grandkids, missing school friends, missing work colleagues, and on and on. He will use every pain, every sorrow, and every tear in our lives for our good and his glory. Out of this experience of Gods grace that sustains you in suffering and causes you to persevere, your hope is made alive. Isaiah 40:31 says that those who "hope in the Lord" are not anxiously holding on but always "renewing their strength" and even "soaring." Hope in God leads to "running and not growing weary". In fact, the best witnesses are often regular everyday people. We may not always understand what thought or deed created a chain of events that has led to our suffering. Occasionally the pressure gets to them and they crack, crumble, and crash. Because the insidious thing about depression and despair is the way they strip away hope. When we employ creativity to make this world better, we participate with God in the recreation of the world.9 In verse 3 we read, "We ought always to thank God for you." Featuring Jen Wilkin, Jennifer Rothschild, Kristi McLelland, and more! Jesus did not sugarcoat what it means to follow him. In my mind, I wondered, What does this have to do with my depression? My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, Where is your God?. As a follower of Jesus Christ, you have to learn the same thing: God's delay is not his denial. They were all good things, helpful things. He would look out over that little town and ponder. Revelation 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. When God seems far away or silent, we might be experiencing a dark night of the soul. R. C. Sproul describes it as a spiritual depression, a kind of depression that is linked to a crisis of faith, a crisis that comes when one senses the absence of God or gives rise to a feeling of abandonment by Him (The Dark Night of the Soul, February 1, 2008. , Ligonier, ). For God, who said, Let light shine out of darkness, made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:4-6). We should be honest with God, with ourselves, and with others about the condition of our hearts. How many problems have appeared to be resolved only to reoccur again? He reminds them that their faith is growing, their love is increasing, they are standing tough, and they are facing it together. A few verses later in 11-12 we see, "With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. Hope Church: Building a Multiethnic Church in MemphisPart 1. Why is God worthy of our trust?
Keep those things in mind and let's move into the passage and make some discoveries about hope in the midst of pressure. Posts When discouraging and depressing news threatens to flood the nation, the church, and the soul, we need God's help to lift up our heads, hearts, and hands. During the entire journey the fish were swimming for their lives. He did not expect anything good to come into his life. Isaiah also wrote how the joy of the nation had increased, how the people rejoiced, how the yoke of their burden was broken for this child shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Hebrews 5:5-10 Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. Its people like you that make me enjoy Advent.. I have entitled it this way because of two reasons: First, as Albanians our
The Father stands with us, and we never face the music alone. Note the pattern here: suffering brings about perseverance; perseverance brings about proven character; and proven character brings about hope. But I havent heard you tell me how you are trusting in what Christ already did for you, he responded. Isaiah 61:3 Verse Concepts There was a brief respite during college and graduate school. Scriptures:
The comments were made in fun, but they reminded me that people face pressure, problems, and pain as a part of their everyday existence. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. We will survive and we will cope with the pressure because we're not facing it alone. Posts Heres something we both can agree on is Christs hope isnt from this world but of heaven. Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.
Sometimes, at night, he would crawl out of his window and sit on the roof of the hotel. He is worthy of your trust. Jonah 24:1-2:10, Denomination:
For more information, see ourPrivacy Policy. They were stripped away from the presence of God. Temple - Where Gods Presence was on Earth. 2020 has been a year where it seems as though a cloud has settled over our world, and theres a palpable darkness even if the sun is shining. A little light goes a long way. The attributes of God are Gods glory, and men are therefore obligated to glorify God in response to the revelation of such attributes. Look back at verse 2, Those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. Not only had they seen a great light, that light had shined on them. Notice in verse 6 it reads, "God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you." Many people are deeply discouraged, even as we move into a time of the year that should bring out the best in us. Because they were dead, they weren't able to pray for him anymore. It was a place of beauty. Or, you or a loved one just received a terrible diagnosis. This morning, I want to point you back to the words of Isaiah and remind you that you can find your way, as far as you can step, to wherever you need to go, in the light of Bethlehems hope.
your true nature is proven. https://www.indiainternationalchurch.org/Instagram | h. There is not one tear we have shed that he does not understand. We have read the testimony of a man who felt mistreated by God. A delay is not the same as a denial. read more, Scripture:
Your community. Finally, after faking sick twice, the man had to face the music, and he did not know what to do. Our Hope In God Part 2 Be Honest with God - Keep the lines of communication going - Theme for this series. Tapping into Christs strength overtakes the hardship caused by original sin (Genesis 3:16-19) but sometimes it takes perseverance to discover Gods hope. However the current reality facing Wilf is one of no hope. And heres the truth, while I didnt leave the office that day completely cured and transformed, I did leave with a new seed of hope. Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?, My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, Where is your God?. D. Then, we suffer for reasons that cannot be explained. How can you trust God more in your desperate situation? Similar to Jeremiah, where we were last week, the Book of Isaiah was written during a dark and dangerous time. Hope, Hope In Christ, Assurance Of Salvation, 52-week preaching calendar to help you plan your sermons, Customizable sermon manuscripts for verse-by-verse preaching, Preach with creativity and impact throughout the year, [NEW YEAR] 4-Week Series to kick off 2023, [PRODUCTIVITY] Fulfill your full potential, [FOUNDATIONS] Getting back to what matters most. 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,on them has light shone. We are not on our own in this, he promises to be our strength in weakness and will give us everything we need to live for him. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There are seasons and times of uncertainty in our lives. One thing to focus on is our HOPE - Expectation that God will make all right. He was running as fast as he could. Years later he'd say, "I always knew they were wrong." God doesnt ignore our plights. The people who heard those words of God from that preacher needed to hear them because there was darkness all around them. Tagged Sermons on Hope. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? Thats elementary, you might be thinking. The only way to heaven is to accept Him, and that is the origin of hope. The Lamentations are almost like diaries, giving us first-hand insight into the personal life of this man. Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring." The psalmist cries in verses 1-2, "Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O LORD. Our hope in God is not in the resolution or removal of every distress of life. If you dont work you dont get paid. This sermon was preached by Mrs. Ann Oommen during the worship service for India International Church. In verse 10 we find these words: "on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. The only form of escape he could see was a tree, but the nearest limb was 10 feet off the ground. A man took his granddaughter to see the live manger scene at their church. But the promise of God is that in that moment, He does what needs to be done. I have head preachers say that there are no circumstances with God. While this conversation with my pastor may not seem earth shattering, and though what we discussed was not some amazing new concept, the conversation reminded me of a truth I had forgotten. Tamar (1 of 3) Scott Maze. Their whole society and way of life was being completely destroyed. He wrote again so quickly to clear up a few items in the first letter, but also to encourage this young church because they were under so much pressure. If youre lucky you have a job thats secure, but many dont have that luxury. It is difficult to know the reality and genuineness of your faith and commitment to Christ unless it is tested. As unpalatable as Edwards's message might have been, his significance can't be doubted, and . Andrew Eckert Sermon on Ecclesiastes 1:2,2:18-26. . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. He spent all His time doing good for others, but His works . Psalm 56:8-9 You keep track of all my sorrows. read more, Scripture:
We have a hope that is centered in the glory of God, A glory that is uniquely his As he continued to write, he'd occasionally glance at that stack and remember how much he believed in what he had written. He knew that even in raging adversity, he could count on the Lord's unfailing love being poured out on him (Psalm 42:8). When asked about these tragedies, Turner responded, I couldnt understand how someone so innocent should be allowed to suffer so much. (Associated Press, 4/16/01) Ted Turner was suffering for reasons that could not be explained. We do not have to face problems, pain, or pressure alone! September 9, 2022 This collection of sermons on hope and encouragement provides inspiration and practical advice to help you deal with life's problems in an uplifting way. What will life look like in a month, in six months, in a year. 1. read more, Scripture:
How many people sit down with a checkbook each week and feel despair as they realize a growing inability to meet their obligations. People Listen In Different Wayscan You Reach All Of Them? Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. About MeContactPrivacy PolicyFree E-Books, God's PromiseGod's GraceGod's TruthGlory of God, Christ as GodChrist the KingChrist's ResurrectionChrist's Intercessions. Despair is the sense that things wont change for the better and nothing that I do will make any difference. Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. Our new Preaching Suite solution makes it easy to prepare, preach and archive your sermons. And not only does it shine on you it enables you to find your way. And today, that light of Bethlehem still shines on us. Jeremiahs suffering had caused him to lose hope. When life seems to be a steady, heavy burst of soul chilling rain, you may find yourself asking, where is the hope? Hope in times of despair sounds impossible. "He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. How can you help someone else in their desperate time. There are parents whose hearts have been so devastated by wayward children that they live in despair. - Resurrecting Hope, part 2. Think about that. The very group of men Jesus hand picked to be the foundation on which He would build Notice that David said, when Im afraid not after Ive wigged out, then I will trust God. Anything that is important in life is worth the effort, and the important things usually take a lot of effort. During a period of 150 years, both the northern and southern kingdoms were threatened by their enemies.
Some things may never change for the better on this side of eternity. He asked her if she thought the light shone into the stable. Jon Acuff: Don't Overthink It Part 2. Whatever the situation, desperate times will reveal just how deep our faith and trust is in God. Some knew of this deception, but in the large sound of the entire orchestra the plan seemed to work. We must always remember there is great power in prayer. Hope in Times of Despair - Friday Khutbah at IslamiCity - 03/19/2021 Watch on MENU Friday Sermon (03-19-2021) Topic: Hope in Times of Despair Speaker: Dr. Dany Doueiri During the Covid-19 pandemic, we host weekly online Friday Khutbahs by various speakers. Verses 3, 5, and 6 describe the author of this psalms emotional distress. I watched the images throughout the week and read Paul's words written to the Christians at Rome (12:9-12), found in our Epistle today: Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to . We are so near to Jerusalem. The answer is a new attitude of hope. He imagined that it was Jesus prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. Rather than shine light into the darkness, God brought light out of darkness, hope out of despair for Israel and will do so for us. To combat the seasonal depression often linked to these periods of darkness, natives know they need to (1) create artificial light boxes to simulate sunshine, (2) surround themselves regularly with friends, and (3) remind themselves that winter is a temporary season. read more, Scripture:
I believe in love, even though I dont feel it. She takes care of the religious He is very aware of all that is happening around us and that vengeance is His. The thoughts and feelings that consumed me were paralyzing. Remember, we live for Christ and God designed hope as an assurance for our eternal future (Jeremiah 29:11). It seems appropriate to read on Good .read more Scripture: John 18:1-19:42 In other words there are eternal consequences that occur when we reject Jesus. It is in this context that Jeremiah writes these words. If we can get a grasp on the same lessons, we can discover ways in the midst of pressure to find hope. Then, he gave each family a lamp and said, Each time you are here, the place where you sit will be lighted. It was up to them to bring the light and share it. I encourage you to continue seeking God. Instead of reacting in fear, we should start by trusting God. The words I read are from Jeremiah, a Hebrew prophet whose professional life was from about 626 BCE to about 586 BCE. Trusting God when were scared and desperate can be one of the hardest things to do, and whatever the situation, desperate times will reveal just how deep our faith and trust is in God. He is our Father. Both of these verses remind us of the entrance ramp I call, the priority of prayer. The answer is not a new life, a new career, or a new spouse.
But thats not the salvation about which I am thinking. (Show slides of Christmas images.) Trust in God and youll find an abundance of spiritual confidence. How can I move from a spirit of despair to a life of hope? We suffer because of circumstance. Jesus as the suffering servant is the primary prayer of the Psalms - Put Psalms in Jesus words.
He experienced rejection, loss, poverty, loneliness, and abuse. He thought of everything. Today, many people are protesting for several reasons. Having trouble logging into your account? Then read the following poem which was found carved into a wall in a Nazi concentration camp during the Holocaust by an unknown Jewish prisoner: I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining. Isaiah gives us more detail about this great light in verse 6: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given (Isaiah 9:6). In this psalm, we are given four steps up and out of despair, fueled by Hope For Hard Times. You have recorded each one in your book. . Believe me, its worth the effort. Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. The Babylonian army would plunder all the gold, silver, and bronze items in the temple. The circumstances of life have swirled out of control and the pressure is overwhelming. In spite of all the uncertainties of life, hope is possible. Its the way I connect with God and the powerful impact it has in changing my spirit. When you have a medical problem that resists all efforts of cure, you feel hopeless. The same is true with Scripture. I refer to these essentials as entrance ramps. This I know: God is on my side! Whatever the situation, desperate times will reveal just how deep our faith and trust is in God. You can't tamper with truth. The next time youre faced with a desperate situation, do these things before anything else. Purpose: That we remind ourselves to Hope. Prayer is a privilege we need to take seriously. The conductor agreed, after much persuading, and let him sit in the second row of the orchestra. He was a hated and hunted man, literally running for his life when he wrote this song. Each candle represents a portion of the blessings that Jesus Christ has brought to us hope, peace, joy, love, and life. You can share the light of hope, and increase joy, and break yokes of despair. Hope in Despair An entrance ramp is found in verses 8-9. Ephesians 2, Hebrews 10:23, Lamentations 3:1-25, Lamentations 3:1-6, Mark 7:21-22, Matthew 12:34, Proverbs 23:7, Revelation 21:1-6, Sermon Topics:
Apr 24, 2022. This places our focus on God and not here on earth. Like David, we need to remember that God promises to protect us and to be there for us. He has a plan and a timetable. Doesnt that sound like 2020? That power awakens within us awareness that we are not alone. The apostle Paul penned 2 Thessalonians probably less than six months after writing the first letter to them.
Hope that is centered in a fallen world is destined to fail. If you have driven down an interstate highway, you realize that to get moving into the flow of traffic, you use the entrance ramp. As the months went on, that hope grew and grew. Instead, like the psalmist modeled, we must declare to ourselves and even to our oppressors that our hope is still in God and in his love (vv. During the Second World War the US Army was forced to retreat from the Philippines. Answer. He was bleeding too badly to see how to drive. We conclude that chaplains may become witnesses of hope in times of despair, which includes the (ideological) critical function of spiritual care. When the pressure of life is on, I'm more motivated than at any other time to want hope surging through my spirit. God doesnt relate to us as a distant acquaintance. The people living during that time, and on up to the time of Jesus, believed good and evil were equated with light and darkness.
Jonah 2:1-10 Preaching.com is a leading resource that provides tools and ideas for pastors and church leaders to help them lead well. Free shipping on books, Bibles, gifts, VBS, and church supplies of $50 or more. I wonder, in this Advent season, if you would be willing to let the light of Bethlehem fall on you? He will not leave us unchanged. To start saving items to a SermonFolder, please create an account. I have to call this entrance ramp, non-negotiable consequences. I realize that hearing that there is hope to be discovered in the middle of pressure might not be exciting to some. Yet he wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:8, "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in . In this powerful video, Julie Green delivers a prophetic word from God that you don't want to miss. They're left hurting and hopeless. Conclusion - Christians are called to Lament, and perhaps when we live like Jesus in this world of brokenness we should be characterized more by being honest about our despair. If someone were to ask me if I wanted to be described as a person who was growing stronger in his faith and loving others more, I'd have to say, "Certainly." He certainly gives us something to think about. You test positive for COVID and begin spending 14 days in quarantine. 5, 8). And with that is the promise: For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.