How to Have Extraordinary Hope in Darkest Storms

Published by helloredds@gmail.com on 08/27/2025 09/02/2025

How to Have Extraordinary Hope in Darkest Storms

Have you ever been so deep in the storm of life that you’ve lost sight of hope?

It was a busy morning out on the water, boats and people everywhere. We needed to stay in the marina, but the ebb and flow of the current kept pushing our boat closer to the others. Throwing it into reverse and then forward each time we drifted too close to the other vessels was cumbersome and exhausting.

With every near miss, a jolt of panic rushed through my body. Eventually, I decided to throw our anchor into the water. The anchor would hold us in one place; we wouldn’t drift. The anchor was our hope. 

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines hope as:

1) to cherish a desire with anticipation: to want something to happen or be true

2) to expect with confidence

Hope Anchors

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:19 NIV

I wanted the boat to stop moving.

With hope in the anchor, I tossed it over the rail and into the water. I watched anxiously as the anchor sank into the deep. In that moment, I should have felt relief, but as the anchor plunged into the water, the anchor line followed quickly behind. All of it! The anchor and all the rope dropped to the bottom while an audible gasp echoed among us. 

To work properly, an anchor needs to attach in two ways, to the boat and the sand. I expected it to do its job, but I hadn’t done mine. I failed to fasten the anchor to the boat. My hope and the anchor were neither firm nor secure. Faith works the same way.

Faith in God and our hope in Him are the solid anchor for our souls. But, perhaps we should ask ourselves, “What have I tethered myself to?” and “Am I anchored properly?”

When we anchor our hope in God, hope holds us securely. 

However, hope doesn’t just anchor, hope buoys!

Hope Floats

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:23-24 NIV

While an anchor secures a boat to the sand, it can also hold a buoy to float on the surface as a marker for the anchor. But a buoy isn’t the only thing that floats on the water; engine oil does too. Oil floats to the top; it puddles in pockets and gathers in groups. Like oil on water, hope floats.

When life gets heavy and hard, we need community. We are better together as we float along life’s currents. Community spurs us as it encourages hope. Hope holds hands.

Hope helps us rise above discouragement and disappointment. And as it gathers together, hope sustains.

Hope Sustains

Psalm 119:116 NLT, “Lord, sustain me as you promised, that I may live! Do not let my hope be crushed.”

An unhinged anchor is not a life tragedy. But what happens when the perfect storm hits? Sometimes, when we’re deep in the storms of life, we lose sight of hope.

*In a hospital room

*Displaced from a job

*Battling a disease

*In a broken relationship

*Under a mountain of debt

*Praying for change

It can be hard to muster the strength to forge ahead when it feels like you’re drowning. But the Lord promises to sustain, so ask for his help. You can begin with whispered prayers and gentle utterances of hope. Sit in silence for a moment, invite Him in, and then look up. With eyes on God, you can find rays of sunshine in the storm.

Even in the darkness, the clouds will part, and light will shine through.

Grab a safety verse, grab a few.

Here are a couple that I cling to when I need hope.

The Lord gives strength to his people, and the Lord blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:11 NIV

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Hope is our lifeline, providing us with security and comfort. And, hope hangs on; hope saves. 

Hope Saves

When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly, the storm stopped, and all was calm. Luke 8:24 NLT

Many are familiar with the story of the disciples on the Sea of Galilee when a storm arose and the boat began to take on water. In their panic, they see that Jesus is asleep. The one who has been their fearless leader seems unaware of the dire situation. Yet, when they wake him, he instantly calls for calm, and the chaos subsides. Some translations say, “Be still.”

Friends, Jesus is in the boat. He is our lifeline; he calms the storms, he is the one who saves!

My anchor didn’t stay at the bottom, our friend dove down and pulled it up. He fought against the current and the weight of the anchor, as we gathered together to pull up the line. We managed to retrieve it from the water and secure it in the boat, along with many lessons learned.

Shallow faith in deep storms can be tricky. Let’s anchor our hope, gather together, hold on to our lifeline, and cling to the One who saves!

About the Author: Christy Smith

Christy Smith is a former educator with 23 years of classroom experience and a relentless passion for literacy. She delights in sharing ways to incorporate books into everyday life and create home environments that foster literacy. Her heart for littles and literacy is profound; she believes every child deserves to love reading. 

Christy’s love for literacy is matched only by her passion for sharing heartfelt hope and joy. She shares words of inspiration that will help you learn and grow, encouragement to be your best, and a celebration of the little things God gives you in your everyday life.

Living in sunny Orange County, California, Christy enjoys spending time with family and friends, savoring dark chocolate, and taking walks at Crystal Cove Beach. Her personal interests and values are an integral part of her online presence, where you can find her engaged with mamas, sharing insights on social media at @christianne52619, @itbeginswithabook.com, or in her monthly newsletter at christiannewrites.com. 

Connect with Christy:

On Instagram – @christianne52619

Through Her Books – @itbeginswithabook.com

On Her Monthly Newsletter – christiannewrites.com

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