Advent - 5 ways to Encourage Hope
by Kate Petry
Christmas time seems to amplify our feelings.
Those of us feeling good enjoy the most wonderful time of the year! Those of us feeling disappointed resent the most painful time of the year. It’s as though our hearts are somehow more open, we have inspiration for greater hope, and yet we’re vulnerable to such weariness.
I don’t know where you find yourself on that spectrum today, but I believe as you put your own hope in Christ, God would use you to encourage hope in others.
“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with the confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
It’s the power of God at work in your life. Through your obedience, patience, and kindness, God can deliver hope in Christ to a friend who needs it.
Here are five ideas for encouraging hope in others:
Pray before you speak. Ask God to give them hope and give you guidance.
Let go of your own agenda. People who lack hope aren’t always the most fun or productive. Notice any personal frustration and confess it. Keep your own hope rooted in Christ.
Listen to them and ask non-judgmental questions. Avoid trying to correct or fix them. Being seen and heard is a massive comfort.
Believe the best in them. Speak truth, speak life, speak words that connect their heart with God’s heart for them. Share a personal story of God’s faithfulness in your own life.
Show up for them. It will be a reminder that God really does care about them and they’re not alone. Find out their practical needs and try to meet one within the appropriate context.
Over the next week, would you consider asking God to show you who in your life needs the encouragement of hope?
Watch out for those who are weary, withdrawn, or unmotivated. May God use this Christmas season and the vulnerability it invites to inspire hope again. Let light shine in the darkness, and those who are weary and burdened find rest in Christ.
In the words of Zechariah, after the birth of John the Baptist,
Because of God’s tender mercy,
The morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,
To give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, And to guide us to the path of peace.
Luke 1:78-79
Jesus is our hope. To God be the glory.
Kate is a discipleship strategist and leadership coach. She helps leaders access transformation for themselves and their teams so they are free to lead with clarity and serve with strength. Kate encourages fellow Canadians through the Strong and Free Leaders Podcast, speaking events, and serving her local community in Cochrane, AB.
Listen to Kate’s podcast Strong and Free Leaders here : Strong and Free Leaders.