Matthew 27:45-46 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land.  46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli,[c] lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”) (NIV)

1. Choose to be real while still being reverent.

Matthew 11:28-29  Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (NLT)

1 Peter 5:5-9 - “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. (NLT)

2. Choose to rest in what you do understand as you wrestle with what you don’t understand yet.

Isaiah 55:8-9 - “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (NIV)

Psalm 143:1, Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief (NIV) Psalm 143:5 I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. (NIV)

Psalm 119:68 - You are good and do only good. (NLT) 


3. Choose ultimate over immediate. 

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (NIV)

Romans 8:18 -  I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (NIV)

Romans 8:28 -  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[b] have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)

4. Choose to worship rather than worry.

Psalm 142:1-2 I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. 2 I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble. (NIV)

Psalm 22:22-24 - “I will proclaim your name to my brothersand sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people. 23 Praise the Lord, all you who fear him! Honor him, all you descendants of Jacob! Show him reverence, all you descendants of Israel! 24 For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy. He has not turned his back on them, but has listened to their cries for help.” (NLT)

Psalm 34:1-3 - I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace.[a] 2 I will boast of all his kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart. 3 Let us praise the Lord together and exalt his name. (TLB)

Hebrews 12:28-29. 'Since we are receiving a kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshipping him with holy fear and awe, 29 For our God is a devouring fire.' (NLT)

John 19:26-27 - When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” 27 And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home. NLT

1. Jesus recognized those close to him were struggling as well.

John 19:26-27 - When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved… NLT

Philippians 2:3-4 - Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. NIV

Proverbs 17:22 - A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. ESV 
Proverbs 17:22 - A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. NLT

2. Jesus encouraged his loved ones in the midst of his pain.

John 19:26-27 - When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” 27 And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home. NLT

Hebrews 10:24-25 - And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. NIV

Proverbs 11:25 - Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. NIV

3. Jesus highlighted the importance of not walking alone.

John 19:26-27 - “Dear woman, here is your son.” 27 And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home. NLT

Galatians 6:2 - Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. ESV

Galatians 6:10 - Therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith. MSG

Luke 23:39-43 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (NIV)

What happens when you help others who are experiencing the same struggle 


1. IT DISTRACTS US FROM OUR OWN NEEDS 2. IT HELPS US TO SEE THE SOLUTION  3. IT ALLOWS US TO PUT EVERYTHING INTO PERSPECTIVE

Isaiah 58:10-11 If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. 11 The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. (NIV)

2 Corinthians 1:3-7 All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too. When we suffer for Jesus, it works out for your healing and salvation. If we are treated well, given a helping hand and encouraging word, that also works to your benefit, spurring you on, face forward, unflinching. Your hard times are also our hard times. When we see that you're just as willing to endure the hard times as to enjoy the good times, we know you're going to make it, no doubt about it. (MSG)

How Do We Help Others

1. OFFER THEM STABILITY

Luke 23:43 ("Assuredly, I say to you…” (NKJV)

Psalm 40:2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. (NIV)

2. OFFER THEM SUPPORT

Luke 23:43 …today you will be with Me… (NKJV)

Ecclesiastes 4:12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. (NLT)

Luke 23:43 "…in Paradise.” (NKJV) 
John 14:1-2 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 My Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. (NIV)

Hebrews 12:2–3 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (NIV) Hebrews 12:2–3 Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! (MSG) 1. Betrayed

2. Falsely accused

3. Rejected

4. Abused

5. Humiliation

Luke 23:34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. (NIV)

Luke 11:4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’” (NIV) 7 Things Forgiveness Is Not

1. Forgiveness is not pretending I’m not hurt

2. Forgiveness is not minimizing the seriousness of what they did

3. Forgiveness is not a sign of weakness 

4. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting



5. Forgiveness is not reconciliation

6. Forgiveness is not waiting for an apology

7. Forgiveness is not a feeling

5 Things Forgiveness Is

1. Forgiveness is hard

Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (NIV)

2. Forgiveness is personal

3. Forgiveness is a process

Matthew 18:21–22 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (NIV)

4. Forgiveness is doing good to them

Luke 6:27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, (NIV)

4A. Do good by not retaliating

Romans 12:17–19 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. (NIV)

4B. Do good by praying for them

Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (NIV)

4C. Do good by blessing them

Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (NIV)

Romans 12:20–21 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”  21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (NIV)

5. Forgiveness is setting you free

I Samuel 30:1-5 (NIV) David and his men reached Ziklag on the third day. Now the Amalekites had raided the Negev and Ziklag. They had attacked Ziklag and burned it and had taken captive the women and all who were in it, both young and old. They killed none of them but carried them off as they went on their way. When David and his men came to Ziklag, they found it destroyed by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep. David’s two wives had been captured—Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel

I Samuel 30:6-7 (NIV) David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God. Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the ephod.” Abiathar brought it to him,

Own Your Spirit

Pray for Guidance

I Samuel 30:8 (NIV) …and David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” he answered. “You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue.”

Go Together

I Samuel 30:9 (NIV) David and the six hundred men with him came to the Besor Ravine, where some stayed behind.

Expect Recovery

 I Samuel 30:18 (NIV) David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken…

Job 1:1–3 In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. 2 He had seven sons and three daughters, 3 and he owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen and five hundred donkeys, and had a large number of servants. He was the greatest man among all the people of the East. (NIV)

Job 1:18–19 While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, 19 when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” (NIV)

Job 2:7 So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head. (NIV)

1. God is at work even when you don’t understand His ways

Job 3:11 “Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb? (NIV)

Job 9:2 “Indeed, I know that this is true. But how can mere mortals prove their innocence before God? (NIV)

Job 38:3–5 Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 4 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. 5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? (NIV)

Job 40:3–5 Then Job replied to the Lord, 4 “I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand. 5 I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say.” (NLT)

Job 42:1–2 Then Job replied to the Lord: 2 “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. (NLT) Job 42:3 You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. Job 42:6 I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.” (NLT) Isaiah 55:8–9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (NIV)

Job 13:15 Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him. (NKJV)

Job 23:12 I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread. (NIV)

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (NIV)

2. God is working on you and around you, even when it doesn’t feel like He’s listening to you

Job 38:1 Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: (NIV)

3. God is your Eternal Hope, Because Heaven is your Eternal Home

Job 19:25 I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. (NIV)

Hebrews 11:37–39 Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. 38 They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground. 39 All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. (NLT)

Hebrews 11:13–16 All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. 14 Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. 15 If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. 16 But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. (NLT)

Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever. (NKJV)

Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, (NIV)

Revelation 21:4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (NIV)

Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (NIV)   

1. Jesus never promised you would not get weary and burdened    

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (NIV)    

2. Come to Jesus   

1 Peter 5:7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (ESV)    

3. Allow Jesus to give you rest    

3A. Jesus can take away your struggles    

Philippians 4:6–7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (NIV)    

1 Peter 2:24 "'He Himself bore our sins' in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; 'by His wounds you have been healed.'” (NIV)    

3B. Jesus can take you through your struggles   

Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (NKJV)   

2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (NIV)     

4. Stay yoked with Jesus      

5. Learn from Jesus   

5A. Pick your people   

Mark 14:32-34 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” (NIV)   

5B. Focus on your purpose

Proverbs 5:22 An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him. (NLT)

John 8:32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (ESV)

John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (ESV)

Romans 6:18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. (ESV)

Romans 6:22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. (NIV)

Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (NIV)

6 Steps To Break Free From Addictions

1. Look to Jesus for hope and help

Mark 5:6 When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. (NIV)

2. Be honest about your addiction

Luke 8:30 Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. (NIV)

Proverbs 28:13 Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. (NIV)

3. Build healthy boundaries

Luke 8:33 When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. (NIV)

Proverbs 28:13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. (NLT)

2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (NIV)

1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. (NIV)

1 Thessalonians 5:22 Stay away from every kind of evil. (NLT)

4. Replace bad habits with good habits

Luke 8:35 People rushed out to see what had happened. A crowd soon gathered around Jesus, and they saw the man who had been freed from the demons. He was sitting at Jesus’ feet, fully clothed and perfectly sane, and they were all afraid. (NLT)

2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (NIV)

5 HOLY HABITS 1. Daily time with God 2. Attend Church every Sunday 3. Serve on the Dream Team 4. Give God the first 10 percent 5. Attend a small group

5. Surround yourself with godly friends

Proverbs 13:20 Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. (NIV) 

1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” (NIV)

Hebrews 10:25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV)

Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. (NIV)

6. Take it one day at a time

Luke 8:39 “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him. (NIV)

1. Ask God for wisdom

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (NIV)

2. Wisdom to go talk to the person 

Matthew 5:23–24 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. (NIV)

Matthew 5:25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. (NIV)

Matthew 18:15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. (ESV)

Matthew 18:16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. (ESV)

3. Wisdom to go with the right approach

3A. Wisdom to choose the right time and the right place

Proverbs 15:23 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! (NLT) 

3B. Wisdom to have the right tone

Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (NIV)

4. Wisdom to speak the truth in love

Ephesians 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. (NIV)

4A. Speak the truth about what you did

James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (NIV)

4B. Speak the truth about what they did  

5. Wisdom to listen  

James 1:19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, (NIV)

Proverbs 18:15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out. (NIV)

6. Wisdom to forgive and to be patient with people

Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (NIV)

Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (NIV)

Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (NIV)

How to Find Hope When You're Hopeless

Genesis 15:1-4 After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” 2 But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.” 4 Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” (NIV)

Romans 4:18 Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” (NLT)

Romans 4:19-21 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. 20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. (ESV)

Romans 4:20 Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. (NLT)

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (NIV)

1. Focus on Faith not Facts

Romans 4:19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. (ESV)

Romans 8:28 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. (NIV)

1 John 5:14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. (NIV) Matthew 7:7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (NIV) Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (NIV) Psalms 27:13-14 I remain confident of this, I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. (NIV) Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (NIV)

2. Focus on how good God is not on how bad you are

Romans 4:20-21 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. (ESV)

Genesis 15:1 After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” (NIV)

Psalm 141:8 But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge—do not give me over to death. (NIV)

Psalm 25:15 My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare. (NIV)

Hebrews 12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (NIV)

3. Focus on what you can do and not on what you can't do

Romans 15:13- May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (NIV) 

Colossians 1:27 "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." (NIV)

Ephesians 4:4 "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called." (NIV)

1 Timothy 1:1 "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope." (NIV)

1 Corinthians 13:13"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (NIV)

6 Huge Reasons Why You Need Hope 

1. Hope helps you get through dark days

Psalm 42:11 "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God (NIV) 

H old O n P ain E nds

2. Hope brings you a source of joy and peace

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NIV)

3. Hope produces patience in you

Romans 8:24-25- For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. (NIV)

4. Hope strengthens your faith 

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (NIV)

Psalm 71:5 For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth. (NIV)

Psalms 27:13-14 I remain confident of this, I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. (NIV)

5. Hope provides a future perspective 

Philippians 1:20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death (NIV)

Jeremiah 29:11 "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." (NIV)

6. Hope is the anchor for your soul 

Hebrews 6:19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure (NIV)

Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (NIV)