Maintaining Hope in God Amid Emotional Turmoil and Suffering
Maintaining Hope Amidst Emotional Turmoil and Suffering
The biblical concept of hope is deeply intertwined with the experience of suffering and emotional turmoil. The Psalmist's cry, "Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God!" (Psalms 42:5, 43:5, 42:11 [2, 3, 4]), reflects a recurring theme in Scripture where hope is not the absence of suffering, but a steadfast trust in God amidst it.
The apostle Paul exhorts believers to "rejoice in hope; be patient in tribulation; be constant in prayer" (Romans 12:12 [1]). This triad of attitudes—rejoicing, patience, and prayer—forms a foundation for maintaining hope. Rejoicing in hope is not about ignoring the present difficulties but is rooted in the confidence of future glory. According to John Gill, this hope is "of the glory of God" and is a source of cheerfulness for believers [9].
The work of the Holy Spirit is also crucial in sustaining hope. The Spirit is described as the one who enables believers to hope (Romans 15:13; Galatians 5:5 [5]). This hope is not a human achievement but a divine gift, underscoring the believer's dependence on God.
In times of affliction, believers are encouraged to seek God's presence and comfort. Torrey's Topical Textbook notes that God is a refuge and strength to the afflicted, providing comfort and preservation (Psalms 27:5,6; Isaiah 25:4; Jeremiah 16:19; Nahum 1:7 [6]). Christ's presence and support are also emphasized, with the promise that He will comfort and deliver believers (Isaiah 61:2; Matthew 11:28-30; John 14:1; 16:33 [6]).
The practice of patience is closely linked to hope. The trials faced by believers lead to patience, which in turn produces experience and further hope (Romans 5:3-4; James 1:3-4 [8]). This process is not passive; it involves actively waiting upon God and continuing in prayer (Romans 12:12; Ephesians 6:18 [7]).
Sources
- Romans “rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer; -- Romans 12:12”
- Psalms “Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him for the saving help of his presence. -- Psalms 42:5”
- Psalms “Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him: my Savior, my helper, and my God. -- Psalms 43:5”
- Psalms “Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him, the saving help of my countenance, and my God. -- Psalms 42:11”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Hope — In God -- Ps 39:7; 1Pe 1:21. In Christ -- 1Co 15:19; 1Ti 1:1. In God's promises -- Ac 26:6,7; Tit 1:2. In the mercy of God -- Ps 33:18. Is the work of the Holy Spirit -- Ro 15:13; Ga 5:5. Obtained through Grace. -- 2Th 2:16. The word. -- Ps 119:81. Patience and comfort of the Scriptures. -- Ro 15:4. The gospel. -- Col 1:5,23. Faith. -- Ro 5:1,2; Ga 5:5. The result of experience -- Ro 5:4. A better hope brought in by Christ -- Heb 7:19. Described as Good. -- 2Th 2:16. Lively. -- 1Pe 1:3. Sure and steadfast. -- Heb 6:19. Gladdening. -- Pr 10:28. Blessed. -- Tit ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflicted Saints — God is with -- Ps 46:5,7; Isa 43:2. God is a refuge and strength to -- Ps 27:5,6; Isa 25:4; Jer 16:19; Na 1:7. God comforts -- Isa 49:13; Jer 31:13; Mt 5:4; 2Co 1:4,5; 7:6. God preserves -- Ps 34:20. God delivers -- Ps 34:4,19; Pr 12:13; Jer 39:17,18. Christ is with -- Joh 14:18. Christ supports -- 2Ti 4:17; Heb 2:18. Christ comforts -- Isa 61:2; Mt 11:28-30; Lu 7:13; Joh 14:1; 16:33. Christ preserves -- Isa 63:9; Lu 21:18. Christ delivers -- Re 3:10. Should praise God -- Ps 13:5,6; 56:8-10; 57:6,7; 71:20-23. Should imitate Christ -- Heb 12:1-3; 1P”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Perseverance — An evidence of reconciliation with God -- Col 1:21-23. An evidence of belonging to Christ -- Joh 8:31; Heb 3:6,14. A characteristic of saints -- Pr 4:18. To be manifested in Seeking God. -- 1Ch 16:11. Waiting upon god. -- Ho 12:6. Prayer. -- Ro 12:12; Eph 6:18. Well-doing. -- Ro 2:7; 2Th 3:13. Continuing in the faith. -- Ac 14:22; Col 1:23; 2Ti 4:7. Holding fast hope. -- Heb 3:6. Maintained through The power of God. -- Ps 37:24; Php 1:6. The power of Christ. -- Joh 10:28. The intercession of Christ. -- Lu 22:31,32; Joh 17:11. The fear of God. -- Jer 32”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Patience — God, is the God of -- Ro 15:5. Christ, an example of -- Isa 53:7; Ac 8:32; Mt 27:14. Enjoined -- Tit 2:2; 2Pe 1:6. Should have its perfect work -- Jas 1:4. Trials of saints lead to -- Ro 5:3; Jas 1:3. Produces Experience. -- Ro 5:4. Hope. -- Ro 15:4. Suffering with, for well-doing, is acceptable with God -- 1Pe 2:20. To be exercised Running the race set before us. -- Heb 12:1. Bringing forth fruits. -- Lu 8:15. Well-doing. -- Ro 2:7; Ga 6:9. Waiting for God. -- Ps 37:7; 40:1. Waiting for Christ. -- 1Co 1:7; 2Th 3:5. Waiting for the hope of the gospel. -- R”
- Romans (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Romans 12:12: Rejoicing in hope,.... Of the glory of God, than the hope of which nothing can make a believer more cheerful in this world; the saints' joy is therefore called the "rejoicing of the hope", Heb 3:6. This is placed between serving the Lord, and being patient in tribulation; for nothing tends more to animate the people of God to a cheerful serving of him, or to make them more patient under afflictions, than a hope of being for ever with the Lord: patient in tribulation; whilst the saints are in this world they must expect tribulation; their way to heaven lies through ”