5 Ways to Nurture Hope in Disappointing Times

Published by helloredds@gmail.com on 04/29/2025

5 Ways to Nurture Hope in Disappointing Times

How do we nurture hope in disappointing times?

When Hubs and I first married, I had our lives mapped out. We’d enjoy a couple of years of just us before adding some “wees” to the family and embarking on the parenting journey.

When we started “trying”, I expected a pregnancy within a few months. But my body didn’t cooperate with the plan. The weeks turned to years. Each month brought tears. Friends became pregnant and birthed their babies, while my arms remained barren. I placed all my hope in having a baby.

I questioned God, thinking He loved me less than other women. Maybe I was less worthy because I watched teenage girls lament unexpected pregnancies while my belly remained flat.

I hoped, I prayed, I begged for God to give us this good thing. But with time, my perspective about God and His love for me trended toward depression. The craving to be a mom skewed every other thought.

In one discouraging quiet time, God told me I had made motherhood my idol. At first, I was defensive. He remained quiet. As I considered this, I realized He was right. The desire for a baby had grown bigger in my heart and mind than my relationship with God. I repented in tears. And then I prayed a brave prayer.

“God, even if you never give us children, I will trust that it is your best for us and that you have something better. I release this desire for a baby into your hands.”

How do we hope in God in disappointing seasons?

1. Trust that God’s timing is always perfect. We can’t see beyond this moment, but God views the rest of our lives. He guides us on His best paths.
2. Don’t allow our yearnings to become our idols. When we want something—even if it’s good—more than we want God, we’re idolizing that thing.
3. Choose to believe what we know about God’s character. God loves us. He has good (maybe not easy) plans for us. He is always faithful. He promises to never leave or forsake us. Hold onto these truths and remember how He’s shown up in our past.
4. Nurture our relationship with God. Though we may not understand why God allows something into our lives, spending time with Him keeps our thoughts and hearts grounded.
5. Worship anyway. When we’re disappointed, worship God. Focus on our Father, not our circumstances.

Final Thoughts – 5 Ways to Nurture Hope in Disappointing Times

“Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the Lord.”

Psalm 31:24, NKJV

When we hope in God rather than our expectations and dreams, we will have His peace.

Hope placed in anyone or anything less only leaves us anxious.

Choosing to relinquish my dreams for motherhood filled me with peace in ways I never expected. And in time, God allowed us to adopt two babies, both boys, who have filled our lives and hearts in ways we never anticipated. 

When we feel hopeless, let’s evaluate what we’re placing our hope in and see if our focus needs to shift to our Hope-Giver.

About the Author: Jeanne Takenaka

Connect with Jeanne here:

Were you encouraged by what you read?

Then, would you share this article with a friend, co-worker, or family member?

Or, maybe you can send it to a friend or family member?

This blog occasionally uses affiliate links and may contain affiliate links.

Additionally, Melanie Redd is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.

This is an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees. These are earned by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Also, for more on my disclosure policy, click HERE.

© Melanie Redd and Hope Ministry, 2025. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.

Further, excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Melanie Redd and Hope Ministry.

Please give appropriate and specific directions to the original content.