Have you ever been at the cliff of despair? God’s word is more than just “good thoughts” or “poetic insightfulness”—it’s alive and working within our hearts to change us. We are being perfected in the image of Christ when we train ourselves to meditate and trust in God’s word for hope. Discover how these 10 Bible scriptures can give you hope when standing near the cliff of despair:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
No one comes to God with it all together because we have all sinned and fall short of God’s glory. Our hope is in the Lord to work it out. The Lord is the One who can maneuver our right/wrong choices to turn them towards good for us and building His kingdom.
“God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged” (Hebrews 6:18).
Has anyone ever lied to you? It can be devastating and sometimes trust is never regained after such a betrayal. However God is absolutely perfect and never lies to us. His word is based on truth and we can put our whole hope on Him.
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8).
It’s a mystery how people deal with the hardships of life without a relationship with God. Our hope is centered on a God who is always with us through the joys and sorrows of this life. We may sometimes feel alone—but our faith and hope is grounded in the knowledge that God is with us all the time.
“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13).
Many of us have suffered because of the choices of other people. We can take comfort that God knows everything. The Lord knows how to preserve the righteous for salvation and to punish the evil doers. Our hope is built on God’s faithfulness and willingness to help us through our troubles.
“I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted” (Job 42:2).
God has a purpose for every person He has called into the faith. His purpose will be fulfilled in us as we submit and obey His word. What doors God shuts, no one can open and what doors God opens, no one can shut. His plan will prevail regardless of the circumstances that surround us.
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11).
When we are struggling through difficulty, it can be hard to see any good coming out of it. However we have the hope that God has great plans for our lives in spite of our trials. He’s all powerful and able to put us on the best path.
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him” (1 John 5:14-15).
He’s not some cosmic Santa Claus just waiting to do what we ask of Him. Rather He answers the prayers that we ask Him according to His will and not ours. We are blessed that the God of the universe listens to the petitions of those who follow after Him.
“It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure” (Psalm 18:32).
There are many times we will feel too weak for the tasks that are set before us. However, if we remember to pray and ask God for the strength to accomplish our responsibilities—He provides exactly what we need when we need it. Our hope lies in God’s provision and ability to undergird us when we feel weak.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
We have the hope that God will meet our needs according to His resources. Sometimes we doubt and began to lose hope. Yet it’s when we turn and trust in Him in that struggling moment that our faith is renewed and He provides beyond what we ask or expect of Him.
“This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: ‘I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go’” (Isaiah 48:17).
Sometimes it’s difficult to know what to do or where to go. Our hope in the Lord gives us the peace that He’s directing us even when it seems like we are adrift in life. His unseen hand is always going before us with the intent of leading us in the best paths.
“But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?”(Romans 8:24).
Our hope in God is invisible. Yet its presence is felt in our spirits when we speak and meditate on the Word of God to increase our measure of faith. Step back from the cliff of despair and turn your entire hope in Christ—He will never fail you.
Crystal McDowell is a writer, speaker, and teacher with a passion to encourage believers to know and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ through practical application of God’s word.
Crystal and her husband, Marshall, raise their five children in the Bloomington, IL. As a freelance writer and editor for over 13 years, Crystal has published numerous Christian curriculums for Sunday School and VBS as well as many articles dealing with marriage, motherhood, and relationships. She’s a weekly staff writer for www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com as well as writing her own blog at http://crystalmcdowellspeaks.blogspot.com.