He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord. (Psalm 31:34 NKJV)

Do you ever become anxious about situations or circumstances in your life?   I believe that all of us at one time or another feel anxiety over things we didn't see coming or couldn't control.   It could be the terminal illness or death of a loved one, the loss of our source of income, the breakdown of a vehicle, a broken relationship with a family member or friend, bad news from the doctor concerning our own health, or any number of other burdens.   So many things can bring fear and uncertainty causing us to lose hope, and even lead into feelings of despair.

I sometimes lose hope concerning the business, focusing on results, statistics, bills, and everything else associated with keeping a business in the black that can go wrong.   Just like any other problem that causes anxious thoughts, it drains my spirit and crowds out my joy with discouragement, making me an ineffective spiritual leader to my family, and an unfaithful witness to my friends and others in the community.

Whatever the problem that causes us to lose hope, if we keep dwelling on the problem, developing an attitude of "This will never change",   it can soon turn into despair.   We need to learn how to put our hope and focus in the Person who can resolve the situation rather than on the circumstance.

Some things that will help:

• Focus on Christ rather than on the problem. Don't hope in the resolution of the situation; rather place your hope on the one who is in control of the situation.
• Don't hope that things will turn out the way you wish they would.   Place your trust in God who will take care of you no matter how the situation resolves.
• Forget about what might happen TO you but consider instead what God is doing IN you through the situation.
• Spend time reading the Word, especially passages concerning the love of God. He loves you and wants what is best for you. Standing on the Truth of the Word will bring encouragement.
• Do things for others in Jesus' name; doing so will help you focus on service rather than on self-pity.
• Get with a Christian friend to share and pray about the circumstance; bringing , then leaving the burden with the Lord. Remember that sorrow shared is halved and joy shared is doubled.

Are you going through something right now? Tell it to God, He wants to hear your heart and share your concerns. Know that you are loved and that God wants what is best for you; read these Scriptures to be reminded of His care for YOU - 1 John 4:8, Proverbs 16:33, Psalm 100:5, Romans 8:28. Place your HOPE in Him, rather than in your problem, and He will give you peace.

• courage
• patience
• comfort
• forgiveness

With indexed Scriptures.