5 Questions of Hope to Encourage You in the Lord

Having hope without trust is like loss without hope. The missing component in moving from loss to hope is trust in Jesus Christ. So, if we don’t have trust, there is no hope. Therefore, loss is without hope. This lesson is How to Encourage Yourself in the Lord: Bible Verses of Hope.

We are all hunting hope, expecially when we’re going through a tough time. Whether that’s a loss of a loved one, relationship, home, or job , it doesn’t matter, it all creates a vaccum, an area without warmth or light.

The point is here, we want to have light in the shadow of loss. We want to know someone is there to help us overcome the obstacles. The pain is too much to bear alone. Yes, our families and friends are used by God to help us. The most valuble source of comfort is God.

Questions for Discussion:

• What does God have to say about hope?
• How does the Bible define hope?
• What does God promise about hope?
• What does the Bible say about hope in difficult times?
• How do we put our hope in God

What does God have to say about hope?

1 Peter 1:3 NIV

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,"

• We should always begin with praise! There is nothing like expressing our gratitude and honor to our God, it lifts our spirits as we focus on Him.

• God is merciful, He has given us a new birth into what? Living hope not dead hope.

• What is living hope based on? The fact that Jesus Christ arose from the dead and has given us eternal life.

• This is where trust comes in. Our hope cannot be living without the death, burial and resurrection of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. We have to trust in Him to have true hope.

How does the Bible define hope?

Romans 8:24-25 NIV

“For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?  But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”

To trust in, wait for, look for, or desire something or someone; or to expect something beneficial in the future.” Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology

Hope is looking forward to something we really want. If we already have it, hope has been realized. When we have lost a loved one. as Christians we are hoping to see them again. This encourages our heart and gives us peace.

The connection here is trust. As we hope to see them again, we are trusting Jesus Christ and His promise to us, that this will happen.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

"Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him."

What does God promise about hope?

Romans 15:13 NIV

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit".

What does God promise here because we trust in Him?

• Joy and peace.
• Overflow with hope.
• By the power of the Holy Spirit.

God has promised that if we trust in what He says to us, we have joy and peace while the Holy Spirit showers us in hope. We are overflowing with hope.
Hope comes from God the Holy Spirit, not from us. He gives us hope.

What does the Bible say about hope in difficult times?

1 Peter 5:10 NIV

"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."

Romans 5:2-5 NIV

"through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."

When we trust in God,

1. He will be there in our suffering and restore us to a firm standing.
2. Suffering has a purpose: Our growth in Jesus Christ.

How do we put our hope in God?

Romans 15:4 NIV

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope."

“Everything we need to know in regards to salvation, living a godly life, and maintaining our faith in the midst of trials can be found in God’s Word. The men and women of Scripture were just like you and me, and their experiences were documented for our encouragement and instruction. So whenever we face adversity we should go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to teach us through His Word. The Bible is an immovable anchor in times of storm and through it, He can give us the strength and hope to endure.“NASB Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible Notes

Remember, God’s Word is alive!! Its different than reading a book that is not inspired by God. The advice given has been applied many times and proven to work.

When we are experiencing trials, the first thing to do is get down on our knees and pray to God the Father. Then go to His Word for instuctions on how to deal with our situation.

Conclusion: How do you encourage yourself in the Lord?

1. Trust is the key to hope. Trusting In Jesus Christ as Savior is the first step to overcoming trials.
2. The connection between loss and hope is trust in Jesus Christ that He will do what He says.
3. Remember God’s promise. When we trust in Him, we will have joy and peace while abounding in hope.
4. When we are undergoing trials, He is there and will restore us.
5. Go to God in prayer and then to His Word.

Below is a free resource that you may find helpful.