How do I keep hope alive, even when circumstances look bleak? I remember—and read—what God has done in my life. After all, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow (Hebrews 13:8). He has been faithful to answer many prayers for healing, He has rescued me out of desperate situations, even when I put myself there, and He has intervened in ways I could have never predicted when I had no idea what to do.
So how do I remember and read? I am an avid journaler, writing what I’m reading in His Word, along with what He’s teaching me. I also record blessings, struggles, answered prayers, miracles, special signs, and anything else I want to remember or process. I read through my journals, which I type, so I can search for keywordsor events.
I’m a professional writer, so I need that searchable source material. But I consider that benefit secondary to helping me to remember what God has done in my life, in the lives of those I love, and in the world in general. Reading the details of what He’s done earlier this year, last year, or five years ago helps me grab ahold of His rope of hope when I feel hopeless. As I recall the both the daily, gentle, practical guidance and the miraculous gifts He has given me, He pulls me up higher on His rope of hope. My faith grows. I keep reading, my soul is encouraged, and I’m no longer in the hopeless hole.
Through remembering who He is and what He has done, my hope is restored. I once again have the faith to keep doing the next thing He has set out for me—and I once again become excited to see what He will do next.
How do you hold on to hope in bleak times?