We all experience situations when it’s hard to keep hoping. What if’s? How to’s? And Why’s? flood our minds. Visions of possible catastrophe dance before our eyes. Hope plummets with every ticking second.

I’ve learned some things through the darkest seasons that I would never know had God not allowed me to walk there. And my faith was sustained by God’s grace by putting these five things into practice.

Here are 5 ways to keep hoping when hope is waning:

1. Pray

Sometimes the hardest places are where it’s hardest to pray. But I’m learning these are the times I need it most. Realize prayer is talking to God openly, honestly and giving Him room to speak. Share with Him your heartaches, struggles, doubts, and fears. Yes. He already knows it all. But He asks us to bring our cares to Him, roll them onto Him, and allow Him to carry us through.

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

~ Heb. 4:16 ESV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

~ Philippians 4:5-7 ESV

2. Reach Out to a Friend

I don’t know about you, but I tend to isolate myself when struggles overwhelm me. My default is to hide and hold it all inside. Yet, reaching out to someone who can offer godly counsel, support, and encouragement shares the heavy burdens of our hearts––and assures us of victory.

For by wise guidance, you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.

~ Prov. 24:6 ESV

3. Count Your Blessings

I admit, it is difficult to practice gratitude when despair weighs heavy on my heart. Yet focusing on the good things helps defy the lies of the enemy who seeks to separate us from the goodness of God. It may be as simple as listing the basic provisions of food, shelter, clothing, etc. Or take time to list past victories that you were sure would end in defeat. Remember that He’s the same Mighty God! He will never change.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

~ Ps. 103:2 ESV

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

~ Ps. 118:1 ESV

4. Praise/Worship

Our enemy would love nothing more than for us to throw our hands up in defeat. Why not turn it around? Instead, let’s raise our hands in praise. Something I’ve found helpful is music. I often play hymns, gospel, or praise and worship music. It does wonders for a downcast spirit.

I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord.

~ Ps. 34:1-2a ESV

5. Saturate Yourself in the Word: Read, Memorize, and Pray Scripture.

Last, but certainly not least, soak up the Word of God. Sadly, too often I’ve done all the above practices and failed to seek His Word for instruction. Hebrews 4:12a states: For the word of God is living and active. There is a wellspring of hope here. God’s Word brings life to dead situations and activates stagnant hearts.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

~ Ps. 119:105 ESV

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

~ 2 Tim. 3:16-17 ESV

Prayer

Dear Father, sometimes I lose my grasp on hope. Looking at the painful situations that surround me overwhelms me and tempts me to despair. Remind me of Your promises. Help me to continue to run into Your arms with prayer, thanksgiving, and praise. Guide my footsteps. Assure me that You are always with me, in control, and working for my good. And please bring wise counselors to walk beside me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.