How to Hold onto Hope When You Really Want to Quit

Inside: When praying during hard times it can be tempting to give up and call it quits. Here are some encouraging words on how to hold onto hope during the hardest times of your life.

It had been a hard week. The house was a mess because I just couldn’t keep up with the laundry or the dishes. My boys’ room was in need of some attention. I needed a break but didn’t know where it would come from.

My boys’ behavior was more than I felt I could handle during this season. They needed direction and grace and I felt too exhausted to meet the challenge. I remember waking up that morning and crying out to God. I was done. I couldn’t take it anymore. Then a sweet friend encouraged me not to give up hope.

Today I want to share with you 4 things you can do when you need to find hope.

How to Hold onto HOPE During Hard Times

H- Hold on to God’s Promises

When we go through hard times it can be difficult to find and hold on to the truth about our situation. Over the years I have learned to seek out the Truth in scripture. The Bible is full of God’s promises to us. No matter what you are facing there is a promise to get you through.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37 ESV

Praying God’s promises will help you know the truth. You will be able to combat the lies of the enemy. You can remember that with God you are victorious!

O- Obey God’s Commands

Obedience is something that my boys struggle with. I get it because it’s something that I struggle with as well. When someone hurts me or my children the last thing my flesh wants to do is offer forgiveness. But that’s exactly what God calls me to do.

And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 28:1-2 ESV

When my boys ask me why they need to listen and do as they are told, I remind them that there’s always a blessing in obedience. The same goes for us moms. We have to remember that when we walk in obedience we set ourselves up for a blessing.

P- Pray without Ceasing

During the hardest seasons of life, I have learned the importance of prayer. It is the first line of defense when I need a breakthrough.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

When I’m struggling to keep my temper under control as a disciple and discipline my boys, I pray. When I’m faced with a new parenting challenge and I have no idea what to do, I pray.

I’m also teaching my boys the importance of prayer. When they are struggling to get along with each other I encourage them to pray. When they are struggling with school or learning something new, I encourage them to pray.

Prayer connects us to God, who is the source of our hope!

E- Expect God to Show Up

During a really hard season, I remember my son telling me that he felt like God had forgotten us. He didn’t believe we were going to make it through this hard time. He was struggling with doubt.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 ESV

This is why it’s important to hold on to hope. Hope tells us that no matter how we feel, God is there. It reminds us that God is for us and working things out for our good.

Hope helps us keep our eyes on the cross. Because that is where our help comes from. God cannot lie and He never fails. When He says that He will never leave or forsake us we can believe it. We can expect Him to be there every single time we call.