If thoughts and feelings of hopelessness are allowed to control our lives it can prevent us from living the kind of life God intended. Uncontrolled feelings of hopelessness can cause us to act as if things in our lives will never change and to give up on our dreams and desires. Feelings of hopelessness can cause us to feel as if our lives are worthless and useless. But no matter how you may feel at this moment, never give up. Always remember that though life might seem hopeless right now, your situation does not have to stay that way. You do have something to add to the world in which you live, so begin by challenging your feelings of hopelessness with the Word of God. When feelings of hopelessness are not challenged with the truth from the Word of God, it will cause you to give up on your dreams and to just accept the lie that your life will never change. Unfortunately, when we allow feelings of hopelessness to control our lives, we are unwittingly opening the door for a whole host of other negative emotions. Self-pity, apathy, rage and false beliefs concerning our self-worth and abilities can latch on to feelings of hopelessness and weaken us both mentally and spiritually. For example, feelings of hopelessness can lead to feelings of worthlessness, and feelings of worthlessness can ultimately lead to other self-destructive thoughts and behaviors, maybe even suicide. Likewise, from a spiritual perspective, feelings of hopelessness can erode our trust in God and ultimately destroy our faith. But don’t let this happen to you.

Now, I understand that some of you who are reading this may be living with an illness that affects your ability to think clearly. As such, it may not be as easy for you to focus your thoughts on the Word of God as it is for other people. Well, if this describes you, please know that God is not going to hold you accountable for what you are unable to do. All He asks is that you rely on Him and trust Him to give you the strength that need. St. John 14:26 lets us know that the Spirit of God will “teach you all things.” “All things” means just that. God will teach you how to meditate on His Word and how to serve Him in the midst of your symptoms. With the aid of His Spirit, you can walk in the Word of God without condemnation, knowing that He is mindful of your challenges. Listen, all things were created for the pleasure of God, including you, limitations and all. So, don’t let your limitations keep you from fulfilling the destiny that God has for your life. Determine to use whatever gifts God has given you to the fullest. (IGBATTMHO ALL Rights Reserved)