Holding Onto Hope When Life Feels Heavy and Unfair

 

Evening Scripture

Hebrews, Chapter 6

Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.

It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.

Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.

Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case — the things that have to do with salvation. God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument.

Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.

Evening Reflection

Some days just feel heavier than others. Maybe today didn’t go the way you hoped. Maybe you received disappointing news. Maybe this is another day where you had to watch someone else receive the very thing you’ve been praying for. You find yourself asking, “God, why is this so hard? Why is this so unfair and seems like others have it so much easier?”

If that’s where you are tonight, I want you to know you’re not alone. For years, bedtime was often the hardest part of my day. It was when the distractions of the day faded and the uncertainty grew louder. After another negative pregnancy test or another heartbreaking loss, I’d lie awake wondering why becoming a mom seemed so effortless for everyone else while our story felt marked by waiting and disappointment after disappointment. It all felt heavy, and if I’m honest, it felt so unfair and cruel — as if we were the only ones forgotten. Looking back now, I know God wasn’t absent. He wasn’t ignoring my prayers. And He certainly wasn’t finished writing my story.

Hebrews 6 has become one of my favorite chapters because it reminds us that our hope has never been built on our circumstances — it has always been built on the character of God. For the past several years, I was so focused on the outcome of our circumstance that it took my focus off God Himself. Earlier in the chapter, we’re reminded that God cannot lie. His promises are trustworthy because He is trustworthy. He is a promise-keeper God. Then, in verse 19, we’re given one of the most comforting pictures in all of Scripture: “This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.”

An anchor doesn’t stop the storm from coming. God didn’t remove every heartbreak or answer every prayer when I wanted Him to. Instead, He anchored my soul so disappointment wouldn’t pull me away from Him. While I thought He was silent, He was strengthening my faith. While I questioned His timing, He was preparing me for blessings I couldn’t yet imagine. I was becoming a woman of faith in the storm because He anchored my soul in Him and Him alone – not in the outcome.

Maybe your season of heaviness or feelings of things being unfair looks different than mine. Maybe you’re praying for healing, restoration in your marriage, financial provision, a prodigal child, or simply for tomorrow to feel lighter than today. Whatever you’re carrying tonight, don’t let today’s circumstances determine what you believe about God’s character. Although our circumstances might change, God never does. He is still faithful. He is still good. And His plans are for our good, even if they don’t feel good right now. He is a promise-keeper God. And in the midst of the storms of life, is when we need to cling to and anchor ourselves in Him more than ever.

Be encouraged that the same God who carried me through years of waiting is carrying you tonight. So, before you close your eyes, rest in this truth: your hope isn’t anchored in what happened today. It’s anchored in the God who has never failed you and never will.

Evening Prayer

Dear Father,

As I end this day, I come before You with an honest heart. You know the burdens I’ve been carrying, the disappointments I’ve tried to push through, and the questions I have. Thank You that I don’t have to pretend with You. You already know my heart, and You lovingly invite me to bring every fear, every tear, and every unanswered prayer into Your presence.

Lord, I know what it feels like to wait. I know what it feels like to wonder why the answer hasn’t come yet. Thank You for reminding me through my own story that even when I couldn’t see You working, You never stopped. Not even for a single second. Every prayer was heard. Every tear was seen. Every moment of waiting was held in Your hands.

Tonight, I pray for the person whose heart feels heavy. Remind them that You have not forgotten them. Strengthen them when they feel weary, comfort them when they feel discouraged, and anchor their hearts in the hope that only You can give. Help them trust that Your timing is never late and Your plans are always good, even when life feels unfair and it doesn’t feel good in the moment. 

As I lay down to sleep, I surrender everything I cannot control. I release my timeline, my expectations, and my fears into Your faithful hands. Fill my heart with Your peace, quiet my anxious thoughts, and help me wake tomorrow with renewed hope, knowing that the God who held me today will still be holding me tomorrow.

Thank You for being my anchor through every storm.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Want More?

Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/ 

Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.

Holding Onto Hope When Life Feels Heavy and Unfair
&nbsp;
Evening Scripture
Hebrews, Chapter 6
Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God,<a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/hebrews/6-2.html">&nbsp;</a>instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.
It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age<a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/hebrews/6-6.html">&nbsp;</a>and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.
Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.
Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case &mdash; the things that have to do with salvation. God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, &ldquo;I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.&rdquo; And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.<a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/hebrews/6-16.html">&nbsp;</a>People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument.
Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath.<a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/hebrews/6-18.html">&nbsp;</a>God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.<a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/hebrews/6-19.html">&nbsp;</a>We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,<a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/hebrews/6-20.html">&nbsp;</a>where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
Evening Reflection
Some days just feel heavier than others. Maybe today didn&rsquo;t go the way you hoped. Maybe you received disappointing news. Maybe this is another day where you had to watch someone else receive the very thing you&rsquo;ve been praying for. You find yourself asking, &ldquo;God, why is this so hard? Why is this so unfair and seems like others have it so much easier?&rdquo;
If that&rsquo;s where you are tonight, I want you to know you&rsquo;re not alone. For years, bedtime was often the hardest part of my day. It was when the distractions of the day faded and the uncertainty grew louder. After another negative pregnancy test or another heartbreaking loss, I&rsquo;d lie awake wondering why becoming a mom seemed so effortless for everyone else while our story felt marked by waiting and disappointment after disappointment. It all felt heavy, and if I&rsquo;m honest, it felt so unfair and cruel &mdash; as if we were the only ones forgotten. Looking back now, I know God wasn&rsquo;t absent. He wasn&rsquo;t ignoring my prayers. And He certainly wasn&rsquo;t finished writing my story.
<a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/hebrews/6.html">Hebrews 6</a>&nbsp;has become one of my favorite chapters because it reminds us that our hope has never been built on our circumstances &mdash; it has always been built on the character of God. For the past several years, I was so focused on the outcome of our circumstance that it took my focus off God Himself. Earlier in the chapter, we&rsquo;re reminded that God cannot lie. His promises are trustworthy because He is trustworthy. He is a promise-keeper God. Then, in verse 19, we&rsquo;re given one of the most comforting pictures in all of Scripture: &ldquo;This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.&rdquo;
An anchor doesn&rsquo;t stop the storm from coming. God didn&rsquo;t remove every heartbreak or answer every prayer when I wanted Him to. Instead, He anchored my soul so disappointment wouldn&rsquo;t pull me away from Him. While I thought He was silent, He was strengthening my faith. While I questioned His timing, He was preparing me for blessings I couldn&rsquo;t yet imagine. I was becoming a woman of faith in the storm because He anchored my soul in Him and Him alone &ndash; not in the outcome.
Maybe your season of heaviness or feelings of things being unfair looks different than mine. Maybe you&rsquo;re praying for healing, restoration in your marriage, financial provision, a prodigal child, or simply for tomorrow to feel lighter than today. Whatever you&rsquo;re carrying tonight, don&rsquo;t let today&rsquo;s circumstances determine what you believe about God&rsquo;s character. Although our circumstances might change, God never does. He is still faithful. He is still good. And His plans are for our good, even if they don&rsquo;t feel good right now. He is a promise-keeper God. And in the midst of the storms of life, is when we need to cling to and anchor ourselves in Him more than ever.
Be encouraged that the same God who carried me through years of waiting is carrying you tonight. So, before you close your eyes, rest in this truth: your hope isn&rsquo;t anchored in what happened today. It&rsquo;s anchored in the God who has never failed you and never will.
Evening Prayer
Dear Father,
As I end this day, I come before You with an honest heart. You know the burdens I&rsquo;ve been carrying, the disappointments I&rsquo;ve tried to push through, and the questions I have. Thank You that I don&rsquo;t have to pretend with You. You already know my heart, and You lovingly invite me to bring every fear, every tear, and every unanswered prayer into Your presence.
Lord, I know what it feels like to wait. I know what it feels like to wonder why the answer hasn&rsquo;t come yet. Thank You for reminding me through my own story that even when I couldn&rsquo;t see You working, You never stopped. Not even for a single second. Every prayer was heard. Every tear was seen. Every moment of waiting was held in Your hands.
Tonight, I pray for the person whose heart feels heavy. Remind them that You have not forgotten them. Strengthen them when they feel weary, comfort them when they feel discouraged, and anchor their hearts in the hope that only You can give. Help them trust that Your timing is never late and Your plans are always good, even when life feels unfair and it doesn&rsquo;t feel good in the moment.&nbsp;
As I lay down to sleep, I surrender everything I cannot control. I release my timeline, my expectations, and my fears into Your faithful hands. Fill my heart with Your peace, quiet my anxious thoughts, and help me wake tomorrow with renewed hope, knowing that the God who held me today will still be holding me tomorrow.
Thank You for being my anchor through every storm.
In Jesus&rsquo; name,
Amen
Want More?
Sign up for our free newsletter, The Good Word, for weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement delivered right to your inbox. Join our community today: <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/</a>&nbsp;
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION&reg;. NIV&reg;. Copyright &copy; 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by <a href="https://www.biblica.com/">Biblica</a>. All rights reserved worldwide.

Your Nightly Scripture — 365-Day Bible Reading Plan for Peaceful Sleep is a calming, Scripture-centered devotional podcast designed to help you end each day with God’s Word. Brought to you by BibleStudyTools.com, this 5-day-a-week Bible reading plan features carefully selected passages from across the Bible, paired with slow, reflective devotionals and gentle evening prayers.

Perfect for bedtime listening, each episode is read at a peaceful pace with natural pauses to create a quiet, meditative experience that helps you rest, reflect, and draw closer to God. From Psalms and Proverbs to the Gospels and beyond, this year-long journey includes special Easter and Christmas readings, guiding you through the story of Scripture with hope, peace, and spiritual renewal.

Want more prayers and practical spiritual tips each week? We're excited to introduce The Good Word, a new way to receive weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement right in your inbox. Join our community today: https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/ 

Your Nightly Scripture &mdash; 365-Day Bible Reading Plan for Peaceful Sleep is a calming, Scripture-centered devotional podcast designed to help you end each day with God&rsquo;s Word. Brought to you by BibleStudyTools.com, this 5-day-a-week Bible reading plan features carefully selected passages from across the Bible, paired with slow, reflective devotionals and gentle evening prayers.
Perfect for bedtime listening, each episode is read at a peaceful pace with natural pauses to create a quiet, meditative experience that helps you rest, reflect, and draw closer to God. From Psalms and Proverbs to the Gospels and beyond, this year-long journey includes special Easter and Christmas readings, guiding you through the story of Scripture with hope, peace, and spiritual renewal.
Want more prayers and practical spiritual tips each week? We're excited to introduce The Good Word, a new way to receive weekly biblical wisdom and encouragement right in your inbox. Join our community today:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/">https://www.lifeaudio.com/thegoodword/</a>&nbsp;

Your Nightly Scripture

Holding onto Hope When Life Feels Unfair

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