HOPE IN HARD TIMES

A Step-By-Step Guide for Difficult Seasons

1️⃣ Remember Who Your Hope Is Rooted In — God’s Promises

Scripture: Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you…”

How to use this:

• Speak God’s promises out loud.

• Declare what is TRUE even when feelings disagree.

• Remind yourself: “My hope isn’t in my situation. My hope is in my Savior.”

Short Anchor Prayer:
“Lord, You promised to never leave me — I anchor myself to Your Word.”

2️⃣ Be Honest About the Pain — But Listen for God’s Purpose

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:6–7
“For a little while you may suffer… these have come so that your faith may be proven genuine.”

How to use this:

• Admit: “This is hard.”

• Ask: “God, what are You forming in me through this?”

• Remember: trials refine, not define.

Short Anchor Prayer:
“Lord, refine me, don’t let this trial break me — make me stronger.”

3️⃣ Refocus on the Resurrection — Your Hope Is Alive

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3
“He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection…”

How to use this:

• Picture the empty tomb.

• Speak: “If Jesus rose, I can rise too.”

• Let resurrection power lift your spirit.

Short Anchor Prayer:
“Jesus, because You got up, my hope gets up too.”

4️⃣ Speak Hope Over Your Situation — Don’t Let the Situation Speak Over You

How to use this:

• Replace “What if?” with “God will.”

• Replace fear with faith statements like:
  “God is not done with me.”
  “This is temporary.”
  “Something good is being formed in me.”

Short Anchor Prayer:
“Lord, I choose hope over despair, truth over fear.”

5️⃣ Lean Into Community — Don’t Fight Alone

How to use this:

• Call someone who will pray with you.

• Ask for encouragement, not isolation.

• Remember: hope grows in fellowship.

Short Anchor Prayer:
“God, send the right people around me — and help me reach out.”

6️⃣ Look Forward, Not Just Around You

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:4–5
“…an inheritance that can never perish… kept in heaven for you.”

How to use this:

• When life feels heavy, remember: this world is not the end.

• Your inheritance is eternal.

• Your story is still unfolding.

Short Anchor Prayer:
“Father, help me lift my eyes above today’s pain to tomorrow’s promise.”

7️⃣ Speak This Over Yourself Daily

“Hope is my anchor, Jesus is my strength, and my future is secure.”