8 Ways To Find Hope When Life Hurts

Esther - Draw Near To God

“Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day” – Esther 4:16

When facing a moment of life or death, Esther made the decision to risk her life for the sake of her people. Up until this point Esther had kept her nationality a secret, so she would also be risking her reputation in the eyes of the king. Esther teaches us to face our trials with the help of prayer, fasting and drawing near to God for strength.

Prayer

Father, I pray for deep inner spiritual strength to give me the ability to withstand. Plant me firmly like a palm tree, that even when the storm comes – though I may blow from side to side – I will not be uprooted because my roots are deep in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Paul - Expected Fruitfulness

“For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison” – 2 Corinthians 4:17

Paul encourages the believer experiencing affliction by reminding them of the fruit of glory that’s being produced in their lives. Sometimes we can’t always see or feel the effects of this fruit until the season is long gone. Go through the challenge with God and He will use the pain to build you in ways you never imagined, if you let Him.

Prayer

Father, I surrender my pain and all the hurts I’ve endured in life to You. Make them beautiful, make them a part of my greatest victory for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

David - Encourage Yourself In God

“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” – Psalm 42:11

Wow, did you catch that? David is actually encouraging himself in the Lord. He speaks directly to his emotions and reaffirms the authority of God. Don’t let pain paralyze your praise. Instead, through the grace of God remind yourself about God and find your hope in Him.

Prayer

Holy Righteous Father, be with me. Sanctify my emotional life to be in line with Your Word. Comfort me and bring solace to my soul as I place my wholehearted trust in You. May Your name be praised and lifted up forever and ever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Hannah - Pray & Listen From The Heart

“Hannah was praying in her heart, silently.” – 1 Samuel 1:13

A quiet petition of the heart was all it took to get God’s attention. God knows our hearts desires and the things that bring us disappointment. Silence is a great listening tool to use to get next steps from the Lord. Hearing from God brings instant peace and security to our situation. Read your Bible, Pray, Get silent and Listen.

Prayer

Father, quiet my mind and heart before you. Attune my spirit to Your voice. Speak to me Lord and guide me through this valley. Keep me from going under or being consumed, I know You are able and will do it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Peter - Forgive Yourself

“Suddenly Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: 'Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.' And he broke down and wept." Mark 14:72

When we cause our own pain or disappointment at times this is even harder for us to handle. Once we seek and ask for God’s forgiveness through true contriteness, we have to then forgive ourselves. Receive the grace that God makes available to you through Jesus Christ. Peter felt bad for denying Christ in this moment, but he didn’t let it hold him back from making a great impact for the Kingdom. Jesus said it was the type of faith that Peter had that He would build the church on. Wow! The one who denied him. God looks at the eternal part of who we are, what we’re really made of and calls it forth. So don’t wallow in self-doubt and self-pity…God will use You mightily.

Prayer

Father, bring immediate deliverance from any self bondage that may be gripping me. Break the chain of the inability to receive grace and forgiveness…after all this is what Jesus’ blood paid for. I believe that. Lead me into full freedom and acceptance of unmerited favor, love and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Joseph - Forgive Others

“So when Joseph arrived, his brothers ripped off the beautiful robe he was wearing. Then they grabbed him and threw him into the cistern.” – Genesis 37:23

Wounds brought on by family can absolutely stagger us. We don’t see it coming from the ones we love most and who we trust to love us. Joseph had to learn to forgive his brothers and also be a vital part of God’s plan for saving their life. Despite all of the years he spent enslaved and imprisoned, he didn’t allow bitterness to take root. From there God was able to elevate him beyond his past suffering and greatly bless him.

Prayer

Father, help me to forgive those who have wronged me, especially those closest to me who I trusted the most. But just as You’ve forgiven me, I will be like You and give forgiveness. After all, I know that there is blessing on the other side. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Abigail - Respond In Humility

“When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed down before David with her face to the ground.” – 1 Samuel 25:23

What was Abigail to do? David and his armies were coming to kill her entire family. And how did she respond? With humility. Taking the humble position preserves life and helps us to look at a situation more from God’s perspective. It’s easier said than done. We do have a helper, the Holy Spirit. He teaches and guides us in all the ways of righteousness. When life hurts we can humble ourselves before the Lord and know that in Him there is mercy, grace and hope. Never give up!

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to persevere and endure through the power of Your Holy Spirit. Teach me to respond to life with humility and continue to lead me on the path of righteousness. Heal my situation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.