Hope In The Midst Of Sorrow

HOPE IN THE MIDST OF SORROW

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 34:18

"The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 41:10, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Matthew 5:4, Romans 8:18, Revelation 21:4

INTRODUCTION:

Life is full of ups and downs, and there are moments when sorrow and grief seem overwhelming. The loss of a loved one, shattered dreams, disappointments, and painful trials can leave a person feeling hopeless. In such times, it may seem as though God is distant, but the Bible assures us that He is near to the brokenhearted. Psalm 34:18 reminds us that God does not abandon those who are hurting. Instead, He comes close to them, offering comfort and salvation.

God never promised a life free from troubles, but He did promise His presence in the midst of them. Sorrow may come, but it is not the end of the story. There is hope beyond the pain, and God has the power to bring beauty out of ashes. He is the God of all comfort, and He strengthens His children to endure and overcome sorrow with faith.

This sermon will explore how to find hope in the midst of sorrow, the role of faith in times of grief, and the promises of God that sustain us through difficult times. No matter the sorrow you are facing today, there is hope in Christ, and He will carry you through.

1. GOD IS NEAR TO THE BROKENHEARTED

God does not abandon His children in times of sorrow.

a) God’s presence is our comfort (Psalm 23:4)

He walks with us through the darkest valleys.

b) He binds up the wounds of the brokenhearted (Psalm 147:3)

His healing power restores those who are hurting.

c) His love remains unshaken in difficult times (Romans 8:38-39)

Nothing can separate us from His love.

d) Jesus understands our sorrows (Isaiah 53:3-4)

He bore our griefs and carried our pains.

e) Biblical Example: Hannah’s Grief and God's Comfort (1 Samuel 1:10-20)

Hannah was sorrowful, but God heard her prayers and gave her joy.

2. FINDING HOPE IN GOD’S PROMISES

The Word of God is a source of hope in times of sorrow.

a) God’s plans for us are good (Jeremiah 29:11)

Even in sorrow, His plans remain for our welfare.

b) Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5)

Sorrow is temporary; God will bring joy again.

c) He turns mourning into dancing (Psalm 30:11)

God has the power to change sorrow into rejoicing.

d) Our trials produce eternal glory (2 Corinthians 4:17)

Every pain has a divine purpose.

e) Biblical Example: Job’s Suffering and Restoration (Job 42:10-17)

Job experienced great sorrow, but God restored him beyond his losses.

3. FAITH IN TIMES OF GRIEF

Faith sustains us through painful seasons.

a) Trusting God even when we don’t understand (Proverbs 3:5-6)

God’s ways are higher than ours.

b) Fixing our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2)

He is our source of hope and strength.

c) Praising God in the midst of sorrow (Habakkuk 3:17-19)

Worship shifts our focus from pain to God.

d) Seeking God’s comfort through prayer (Philippians 4:6-7)

Prayer brings peace that surpasses understanding.

e) Biblical Example: David Encouraging Himself in the Lord (1 Samuel 30:6)

David strengthened himself in God during his lowest moment.

4. THE POWER OF GOD’S COMFORT

God’s comfort is greater than any sorrow.

a) The Holy Spirit is our Comforter (John 14:16-18)

He strengthens and encourages us.

b) God wipes away every tear (Revelation 21:4)

There will be no sorrow in eternity.

c) He gives peace that the world cannot give (John 14:27)

His peace surpasses all understanding.

d) He walks with us through the storm (Isaiah 43:2)

No matter the trial, God is with us.

e) Biblical Example: The Disciples’ Grief Turned to Joy (John 16:20-22)

After Jesus’ death, the disciples were sorrowful, but their joy returned when He rose again.

5. THE HOPE OF ETERNAL GLORY

Our hope is not just for this life but for eternity.

a) God has prepared a place for us (John 14:1-3)

Heaven is our final home, free from sorrow.

b) Our present suffering is temporary (Romans 8:18)

Future glory far outweighs today’s pain.

c) The righteous will be rewarded (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Faithfulness in sorrow will be rewarded in eternity.

d) We will be reunited with loved ones in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

Death is not the end for believers.

e) Biblical Example: Lazarus and the Rich Man (Luke 16:19-31)

The hope of the righteous is eternal joy with God.

CONCLUSION:

Sorrow is a reality of life, but it is not the final chapter. God is close to the brokenhearted, and He offers hope to all who trust in Him. His promises are sure, His presence is constant, and His power to heal is available to everyone. If you are facing sorrow today, hold on to God’s Word and allow Him to strengthen you.