It's easy to look at what's going on in our world and think, "how can it get much worse?" Every time we turn on the news, we see needless tragedy, which only adds to the heaviness of whatever personal hardships we may be walking through. In all the brokenness we see around, and within us, it's important to remember that God is not only in control, but the hope He offers us is eternal and unshakeable. You might feel pretty shaken right now. That's okay. It's natural to feel shaken up, heartbroken, and even angry as we respond to the tragedy in our world and trials in our lives. The disciples were so shaken by Jesus' death that they feared for their lives and went into hiding! The difference here is that we know our Savior lives. We also know that our sin, broken world and bodies, and even death have been overcome through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Praise the Lord that this world is not our eternal home! To help you focus on the hope of Christ amidst whatever you may be walking through today, we have provided these hope-filled verses and prayers for you to meditate on this week.
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. - Romans 8:1
Thank you, Lord, for freeing me from the penalty of my sin! You hung on the cross in my place, paying the price I never could for my sin. I know this is the only truth that can provide lasting hope for us all, no matter what! Help me have a deeper understanding of your gospel every day so that it may provide me with such joy and strength in every season. Lord, also free me from any condemning thoughts and shame. I want to walk in the freedom of Christ that can never be taken away from me!
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. - John 16:33
Jesus, help me surrender my burdens and sorrows to you in exchange for your perfect peace. Help me focus on your truth instead of being overwhelmed by the news or the problems in my world. Remind me daily that you have overcome the world, including my own personal suffering. I praise you, Lord, for your finished work on the cross!
But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay. - Romans 8:21
Lord, my heart is heavy as I see the effects of sin all around me. It's hard not to feel hopeless when I hear about another health threat, war, or shooting. Comfort me as I grieve with you, Heavenly Father. And help me hold onto hope as I join your Creation is, looking forward to the day when there will be no more sin, grief, death, or decay.
For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. - Colossians 3:3-4
When I get caught up in life's grief and hardships, help me remember that this broken world is not all there is. I am so thankful that this world is not my home! Yet, it's so easy to get distracted and discouraged by what is immediately in front of me, making it difficult to hold onto hope during my trials. Show me how to set my eyes upon you instead of fixating on what I'm currently walking through.
Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled. - Romans 15:4
Father, thank you for providing us with the revelation of your Word that is full of hope as it all points to Jesus and our future glory! I ask that you would not only give me the motivation to be in your Word but that it would be genuinely written in my heart. Help me recall your Word when I need it. Please show me where you would have me be in your Word today, bless me with understanding, and provide encouragement as I read.
As a result, [God] has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. - Colossians 1:22
Praise you, Lord, for allowing me to come into your presence through prayer! It's difficult for me to comprehend that I am blameless as I stand before you, not because I am without fault, but because Jesus wiped my slate clean. When I feel overwhelmed by my own sin and shortcomings, help me remember that my hope is in Christ, not my own capabilities.
For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! - 2 Corinthians 4:17
Father, you have been with me every moment of my life, and you know that my troubles don't feel small or short-lived. They feel so heavy, and it's hard to hold onto the hope that this isn't how things will always be. But, my healing and deliverance are coming. This world's redemption is coming. So, help me genuinely believe this today and experience joy as I take my eyes off what I'm walking through to look at you.
I will be your God throughout your lifetime - until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. - Isaiah 46:4
I am so thankful, God, for your countless promises within Scripture. One of these promises that I'm holding onto today is that you will never leave or abandon me. I need your help to remember that you made me with a purpose and that you will continue to sustain me every day of my life until I stand before you face to face. Help me to feel your presence with me now.
We have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. - 1 Peter 1:4
Lord, help me keep my eyes on the prize as I navigate the trials of this life. It's easy to work hard for worldly treasures, but I know that my valid reward is waiting for me in Heaven, and it is far greater than I can even imagine right now. So help me trust that it will be worth all the pain and hardship I am going through now.
My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. - 1 John 2:1
Father, when I struggle against the shame of feeling you are disappointed with me, remind me that when you look at me, you see your Son, who already paid my debt. Because of this, I know there is hope when I fall short. Therefore, protect me from the lies and discouragement of the enemy today as I choose to walk in your righteousness and grace.
He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. - 1 Corinthians 1:8
Father, help me rely on your power and strength when I feel weak. When I feel like giving up, I will hold onto your promise to bless me with your strength, especially when I no longer have any of my own to give. Just as you have called me into a relationship with your son, I trust you to carry me through until the day He comes back.
RELATED CONTENT: Find Hope in The Storm
