When Hope Seems Lost

and news about the Soul Detox series

A husk of its former self, my heart remained tucked in the corner of a forgotten shelf. Fear stalked my steps, and doubt chased close behind.

Where was God? Didn’t He hear my desperate cries for help when hope seemed lost?

God’s answers did not arrive in tidy boxes wrapped with pretty bows. Instead, heartache and hard work were required, and—in many ways—I disliked his response.

God’s answers did not arrive in tidy boxes wrapped with pretty bows. Instead, heartache and hard work were required, and—in many ways—I disliked his response. #answeredprayer Share on X

Though I thought my faith had withered, I later realized my experience reflected what Pastor Daniel Rolfe labeled an “incongruent moment”. Faith did not die, but I struggled to understand. Like the prophet of old, I asked, “O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear?” (Habakkuk 1:2 ESV)

Have you, too, knelt before God yearning for an answer? Are you in that position now?

Keep reading and you will discover, through the book of Habakkuk, why you are where you need to be.

5 Keys That Will Strengthen Your Hope

Embrace and Wrestle- Often, Biblical names provide insight into a person’s character. Habakkuk’s name, which means to embrace and wrestle, reflects some of the inner struggle conveyed in the verse mentioned above.

Like us, the prophet grappled with the hard questions. At the same time, Habakkuk embraced God, “Are You not from everlasting, O Lord my God, my Holy One?” (Habakkuk 1:12 NKJV)

Friend, if pain and struggle exist as part of your story right now, embrace and wrestle. Take your questions, prayers, and hurt to the One who can answer you when hope seems lost. He is able.

Take Up Position- Habakkuk 2:1 reads, “I will stand my watch and set myself on the rampart, and watch to see what He will say to me…”

Standing watch requires endurance and patience, devotion to the Lord, and the desire to make space for a holy encounter.

Standing watch requires endurance and patience. A devotion to the Lord and the desire to make space for a holy encounter.

Write the Vision- Whether God answers in the quietness of your heart or provides a more direct response, I encourage you to record His answer to your prayer as Habakkuk did when he “made it plain on tablets”. (Habakkuk 2:2)

Though It Tarries, Wait for It- A Christian for decades, I’ve witnessed the answer to some prayers within minutes. Other petitions move with me through the decades. I lean on Bible verses like Habakkuk 3 to strengthen my hope: “Though it tarries, wait for it: Because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”

Rejoice in God- Habakkuk rejoiced and offered God words of praise, knowing a Babylonian invasion was imminent. That seems almost odd, doesn’t it? Except God’s man knew who held the future. Whether he survived or not, Habakkuk was secure in the Lord’s hands.

We, too, can praise the Lord. He knows our situations, and nothing about our temporal circumstances intimidates Him. Like Habakkuk, we can sing, “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord…The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.” (Habakkuk 3:18-19 NKJV)

A Prayer When Hope Seems Lost

Lord,

When we feel as though hope is lost, help us to wrestle with the challenging questions of our faith. Teach us to lay them at your feet and embrace you, Father. Thank you for loving us in our frailty. Gird us up that we might endure and take a faithful stand as we wait for your answer, Holy Spirit. We proclaim “the Lord is my strength” (Hab. 3:18) and choose to trust you today.

In the powerful name of Jesus,

Amen

Only a Few Days Remaining!

The “Hope-Filled Christian Nonfiction Bundle” is still up for grabs. Enter by the 15th for a chance to win four amazing books by authors like Dr. Michelle Bengston, Haddasah Treu, and more.

Coming Soon…

Soul Detox: 5 Days to Clear the Noise and Reconnect with God

Feeling overwhelmed, distant from God, or just plain spiritually tired?

You’re not alone — and you don’t have to stay stuck.

I’m preparing the Soul Detox Challenge—a gentle 5-day reset for your heart.
In just a few quiet moments each day, you’ll create space to breathe again, hear God’s voice, and lay down what’s been too heavy for too long.

You’ll receive five short, soul-refreshing emails that include:

• Daily Mini-Practices to Help You Detox Spiritually

• Reflection Prompts, Breath Prayers, and Gentle Action Steps

• Free Printable Journal Page

No pressure. No perfection. Just a quiet invitation to meet with the Lord. I can’t wait to launch the series. What else would help you? Respond to this email or leave a note in the comments.

Peace and grace,

Tammy