1 Verse
Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.”
2 Questions
I. What steps have you taken to hold on to hope when times are hard?
II. What are the warning signs that your hope is starting to waver?
3 Thoughts
I. Talk to a Friend: Having a brutally honest conversation with a friend can help you process what’s happening in your life and give you insight and perspective that you may not already have considered. You’ll never hold on to your hope in isolation! Now more than ever you need community to find help and support.
II. Practice Gratitude: I know it’s hard, but even in times of despair (or especially in times of despair), it’s crucial to practice gratitude. You could begin to keep a gratitude journal where you write down one thing each day for which you are thankful. Or you could begin and end the day with a prayer of thanks. When times get hard, it’s easy for cynicism to take over. Don’t let that happen to you.
III. Take Time for Self-Care: Just like on an airplane when they tell you to strap on your oxygen mask before helping others, you need to make sure you’re taking care of yourself in times of crisis. (Why is it that our first response to difficulty is neglecting ourselves?) Be sure you’re saving space for reading, or long walks, or time with friends and family. This is no time to empty out your tank and try to run on “empty.” Take care of yourself so you have a fighting chance to survive this season of trial.