How to Find Hope and Develop a Lifestyle of Gratitude in Uncertain Times

Are you struggling to know how to find hope in a difficult situation? Consider these scenarios:

Nancy is a twenty-something who grew up in a home where her parents always struggled. Their power and gas were cut off frequently, sometimes dinners consisted of stale bread and a dollop of off-brand peanut butter, and she was often made fun of for her raggedy clothes and stained shoes.

Tom is a career firefighter who commits his life and safety to the well-being of others. He comforts rape victims, runs into burning buildings, responds to life-changing incidents, and sees people take their last breath as a “normal” day at the office.

Tanya is a social worker who does home visits for children in foster care and is part of the process of removing children from harmful and heartbreaking home situations. She has seen children dropped off and discarded like they are garbage (even from wealthy homes), which has resulted in her constantly looking over her shoulder and wondering if people are who they say they are.

Dan is a war veteran who served overseas on many tours. He saved many, many lives and served with every inch of his heart. While he was serving his country, his wife asked for a divorce via text, and when he returned, their home was empty, and she avoided contact with him. He was left feeling hopeless and alone and wondering what he could have done to prevent it.

Perhaps you have dealt with a heartbreaking situation like one of the above scenarios and are currently wondering how to find hope amidst turmoil. Perhaps you are trying to count your blessings but are having trouble pointing them out.

• When people struggle, they often wonder where God is.
• When people struggle, people often doubt (or want to blame) God.
• When people struggle, they pray for a miracle that will change their life and wonder when it is coming.
• When people see the worst of humanity, their hearts can quickly become worn and jaded, and feel hopeless.

How to Find Hope in Difficult Situations

Here are some things to consider about how to find hope in trying situations:

When people struggle and see unfortunate situations day in and day out, they can either 1) become angry or 2) look for and appreciate the rainbows after the storm. Every day, it can be difficult to find the blessings in whatever you are facing.

For a mom running on empty, she might be wondering where the blessings are when she is in an endless cycle of changing diapers, being up all night with a fussy baby, and never actually catching up with the demands of raising a family. It is okay if you are struggling.

You are human. The first step is asking God to step into the darkness with you. Pray to Him. Cry out to Him. Blast the praise music and let it seep into the ailing parts of your heart. Say “no” to the lies of Satan that want you to admit defeat and wallow in pity and “yes” to asking God for help in tough times.

Remember that God might be using your hardship as part of someone else’s story and their story might just change your life, too. The season of postpartum depression or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder might be the testimony that shapes and softens your heart and that God uses to encourage someone else who is struggling and at the end of their rope.

That season of brokenness in your marriage might give another couple hope because you refused to give up. The season of financial hardship might give you a different perspective on what is important in life.

In times when hope feels low, look for blessings and be a blessing. When you would rather lay in bed, stay in your pajamas, and be sad on Sunday morning, try going to your church where people can love you and ask how you are really doing.

Allow their care to soak into and soothe your soul. Accept the hug. Say “yes” to sitting by your friend in the service. Continue serving on the praise team where you love to let the music linger in your thoughts for the entire week ahead. Do not try to do life alone. Surround yourself with people that uplift your spirit and speak words of encouragement, and try to do the same for others.

Recognize God’s providence.

We are all looking for the big miracle to fall into our lap. Sometimes we forget the ordinary providence of God, such as

• • The gift card that randomly shows up when you do not know where your next meal will come from.
  • A friend who sends coffee after you were up all night with a colicky newborn.
  • A mom who offers to come over and help with your young kids while you take a nice hot shower and run some errands.
  • A friend who texts “How are you really doing?” amid postpartum depression and anxiety.
  • A spouse who says, “What can I do to help?” when life feels overwhelming.
  • A peer support group that can support fellow first responders, where they can discuss the things they see and check on one another.

We are so quick to turn down help and want to hide and retreat when people ask how they can help, but sometimes we just need genuine support. Of course, not everyone always knows what to say, but in times of struggle, we need community, help, hope, and authentic connections. We need the freedom to be real with our feelings.

The reality is, sometimes quiet time with God is crying and begging for peace. Stop striving for perfection and work toward genuine peace and authentic connections in your current circumstances.

Never let go of hope.

Know that you are not weak in seeking professional help in your seasons of struggle. The professional counselors at our office are not only trained to assist you in your journey of life, love, and struggle, but we want to be a part of your journey. We want to see you soar and blossom.

We want to see your sense of hope restored. We want to see your faith move mountains. Call and schedule a session at our office today to begin a new journey of finding those sunshine moments in the struggles of life. Our office is a safe space to admit your frustrations, fears, hopes, and goals – and we want to help you get there.

Today is a new day, so refresh your perspective and find the blessings, be a blessing, ask for help, be authentic, and say “yes” to hope.

Encouraging Scriptures for uncertain times.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 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. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. – James 1:1-6

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. – Galatians 6:9

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. – Romans 8:5-6

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

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