Good Vibes | Having Hope in a World of Despair | September 8th

by | Sep 8, 2024 | Digging Deeper

Series: Good Vibes
Sermon Title: Having Hope in a World of Despair

Reno Campus
Pastor Dave Pretlove

Carson Campus
Pastor Dusty Braun

Series: Good Vibes
Sermon Title: Having Hope in a World of Despair

Good Vibes… Having Hope in a World of Despair

  1. We are living through an epidemic of despair
  2. Despair feels so bad because Hope is so important
  3. Because God is the God of Hope… We Can Have Hope in a World of Despair
  4. When Despair Creeps In… Look to Your Certain Future.
    Romans 8:18,22-25 NIV

 

GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

  1. Which of the things that Dave mentioned has led you most to despair?
  2. How does the biblical definition of hope as confident expectation differ from the world’s definition of hope? How can this understanding change your outlook on life?
  3. How is hope more than blind optimism?
  4. How does knowing that God is the “God of hope” influence your daily life and decisions?
  5. I Corinthians 13:13 says that Faith, Hope, and Love remain, suggesting they will outlast all of these other things that prop people up temporarily. How can we demonstrate faith and hope in such a way as to point people toward the God of love, the greatest of all these—especially with reference to recent events Pastor Dave mentioned?
  6. What does it mean to you that Jesus is not just a giver of hope but our actual hope? How does this impact your relationship with Him?
  7. How does the indwelling of the Holy Spirit bring us hope?
  8. How does the hope of eternity bring comfort in the present?
  9. How can focusing on our eternal future with Christ help us combat feelings of despair in the present?

 

PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

  1. In what ways has economic uncertainty affected your sense of hope? How can we find hope in God’s provision during times of financial strain?
    Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
  2. How has political polarization contributed to feelings of anxiety or despair in your life? How can we navigate these feelings with a Christ-centered perspective?
    1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV)
  3. How do you currently define hope in your life?
  4. Reflect on whether your understanding of hope aligns more with wishful thinking or the biblical concept of confident expectation in God’s goodness.
  5. Proverbs 13:12 says “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a fulfilled longing is a tree of life.”  Name a time when hopelessness was used to undermine your faith, and how was your (mental/physical) health affected?
  6. In what areas of your life are you experiencing despair, and how can you invite and apply God’s presence and promises to those areas?
  7. How has your relationship with Jesus influenced your perspective on the future?
    Reflect on moments when your faith in Christ has provided you with hope and how that has shaped your outlook on life.
  8. What scriptures, biblical truths, characters, or stories have given you hope in times of despair?
    Identify and meditate on passages that have been particularly encouraging to you, and consider how they can continue to provide hope.
  9. How can you be a practical source of hope to others in your community?
    Think about practical ways you can share the hope you have in Christ with those around you, whether through words, actions, or simply being present.

 

SCRIPTURES TO MEDITATE ON:

 

RESOURCES:

 

MONTHLY SPIRITUAL PRACTICE TO TRY: PRAYER

Prayer is more than a conversation between you and the creator of the universe, the savior of your soul. It is a time that is designed more for you than for God. Don’t get me wrong, He loves to talk to us through prayer, respond to us through prayer, and deepen our souls through prayer. However, prayer is more for us, if God is omniscient, he already knows our thoughts and concerns. 

Prayer is the language of our hearts. It allows our will and our desires to become aligned with the heart of God. As Christians, we need to press into prayer to allow us to check our hearts’ attention and desires. When we live with no prayer life, we live a life driven by sheer will and strength of our own, increasing stress, anxiety, fear, and depression. David Benner says it this way, “Naked willpower tends to produce pride and rigidity. Unchecked by love, it tends to make us mechanical and moralistic, impoverishing the soul and sapping our vitality.”

Philip Yancey in his book Prayer Does it Make a Difference, describes how prayer impacts us. “When I pray, it may seem that I am narrowing my world, retreating from the real world into a prayer closet in Jesus’ metaphor. Actually I am entering another world, just as real but invisible, a world that has the power to change both me and the world I seem to be retreating from.

This week, I challenge you to experience prayer in new ways and approach it differently. Ask the Holy Spirit to work on you, to align your heart with His. Entertain the reality that you are speaking with the God of all creation, who knows your name and is inviting you into a private conversation that will change you.

 

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:

11 Keys to De-Stress and bring order from a chaotic life.

As we enter into the fall schedule of life and begin to react to all the things and people life brings, it is important to find helpful ways to life a life that can be filled with hope and joy and not driven by desperate urgency. Here are some helpful habits to implement or consider as yoiu prepare for fall.  (Adapted from the Renewing Life Center)

  1. Connect to God Daily: You might go for a walk while listening to worship music, read your Bible, or use a prayer journal.

  2. Practice Saying No: It’s important to learn how to say no without feeling guilty. If you’re not comfortable with something or you feel overwhelmed, politely decline, and explain your reasons.

  3. Communicate Openly and Honestly: If there are specific topics or conversations that make you uncomfortable, communicate your feelings calmly and respectfully. Express your thoughts and feelings while being mindful of others’ perspectives.

  4. Set Emotional and Relational Boundaries by Practicing Emotional Detachment: Try to detach emotionally from situations that you cannot control or change. Focus on accepting what you cannot change and redirecting your energy toward things you can. I’m ok, you’re not ok, it’s ok. Healthy detachment doesn’t mean shutting down emotionally or avoiding all difficult situations. It means maintaining a balance between caring for yourself and engaging with the world around you in a way that promotes your well-being and mental health.

  5. Prioritize Self-Care: Make sure to prioritize your own well-being during this busy time. Take breaks, get enough sleep, eat well, and engage in activities that help you relax and recharge.

  6. Create a Schedule: Plan your time and activities to avoid overcommitting yourself. Allocate specific times for family gatherings and personal downtime.

  7. Practice Gratitude: Thank God for your family. Focusing on the positive aspects of your life and what you’re grateful for can help shift your perspective and reduce attachment to negative emotions. Gratitude is the kryptonite of anxiety. Start a gratitude journal, memorize Bible verses, put sticky notes on your mirrors, etc.

  8. Invite God and Others into the Mess: If family interactions become particularly challenging, seek support from a trusted friend, therapist, or support group. Talking to someone outside the situation can provide valuable perspective and emotional support.

 

Rob Hans | Spiritual Formation and Connections Pastor

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