Sermons on Overcoming Despair:

God Is Our Source

Contributed by Larry Norman on Sep 12, 2001

My prayer is that God will use this tragedy to bring America to its knees—not in an act of despair, but in a reliance on an Almighty God who is ultimately in control.

Intro: As the events of yesterday began to unfold, my emotions ran the gamut, as I’m sure did yours. Ø Shock Ø Disbelief Ø Horror Ø Anger Ø Outrage Then I began to ask a searching question. “Could we begin experiencing the judgement of God on our nation?” I am NOT saying that that is what this ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 18:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Lessons From The Wilderness Series

Contributed by Rick Hope on Aug 27, 2006

We learn from the Children of Israel that it’s in times when we are in our most despair that God wants to teach us something.

It was a great day for the Children of Israel! They affirmed a new covenant with God, recognizing they were embarking on a new life. They were no longer slaves in Egypt. They could be their own nation again. But it would mean some changes. It would mean switching some thinking. It would mean new ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 24:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

The Sower's Hope

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Jul 13, 2020

Here's the question we must answer: are we called to sow the Kingdom Seeds in despair? Or do we sow them in hope?

July 12, 2020 Hope Lutheran Church Pastor Mary Erickson Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23; Isaiah 55:10-13 The Sower’s Hope Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. Huge crowds came to see Jesus. People from all over came to see the famous rabbi ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-23, Isaiah 55:10-13

Denomination: Lutheran

Take A Wonderful Walk With Jesus

Contributed by Joel Pankow on Apr 22, 2020

Jesus speaks with the disciples on the way to Emmaus, taking them from sadness and despair to hope through the Word of God. A beautiful story to preach on!

4.26.20 Luke 24:13-35 He said to them, “How foolish you are and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and to enter his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Denomination: Lutheran

You Are Not Hopeless

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Dec 14, 2019

When people lose hope they make bad decisions and live in darkness, despair and loneliness. Jesus has come to make nigh or close to Him.

Ephesians 2:11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-13

Denomination: Baptist

A Path Through The Deep Waters Series

Contributed by Paul Dayao on Sep 9, 2025

This psalm is a lifeline for the doubting heart, showing that the way through the deep waters of despair is paved by remembering God's mighty acts of salvation.

Introduction: The Dark Night of the Soul There are times in our walk with God that are not filled with sunshine and easy praise. There are seasons of spiritual darkness, what some have called "the dark night of the soul." It's a time when God feels distant, our prayers feel like ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

"A Night Of Anxiety"

Contributed by Brian Credille on Jun 16, 2009

This sermon focuses on the problem of anxiety and how believer’s can face it and overcome it.

"A Night of Anxiety" Genesis 32:24-30 INTRODUCTION What does anxiety do in a person’s life? 1. It does not rid tomorrow of it’s sorrow, but it does rob today of it’s strength. 2. It does no keep you from experiencing evil, but it makes you incapable of coping with it when it comes. 3. It does ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 32:24-30

Denomination: Baptist

Blinded By Discouragement Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 21, 2023

There are times when discouragement can rob us of our courage and hope. How did Joseph avoid being blinded by his despair and what can it teach us?

About 75 years ago, there was a woman named Florence Chadwick who was the 1st woman swim the English Channel BOTH WAYS. Then, in 1952, she decided to swim from Catalina Island, to the shore of California, a distance of about 22 miles. The day she chose to swim turned foggy and chilly as she ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 41:50-52

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Power Of The Resurrection

Contributed by Melvin Maughmer, Jr. on Apr 22, 2025

The power and impact of the resurrection is the glorious and triumphant victory we as Born Again Children of God hold on to.

The Power of the Resurrection By Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr. Most people accept Jesus’ resurrection although they celebrate it as Easter instead of Resurrection Sunday, but how many fully comprehended the power and impact of His Resurrection? Sure, turning water to wine, walking on the water ...read more

Denomination: Apostolic

How Jesus Kept The Passion In His Ministry

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Secrets to overcoming the tendency to grow complacent, lazy or apathetic.

How Jesus Kept the Passion in His Ministry Illustration:I have but one passion; it is He, He only. Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf. Zinzendorf launched the Moravian missionary movement that spawned the modern missionary thrust around the world. One person’s passion can make a world of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Spirit To Engage Series

Contributed by David Dewitt on Dec 10, 2000

Discover a new passion for Christmas and overcome Christmas anxiety.

Series: Discover Christ in Christmas A Spirit to Engage Matthew 2:3-8, 16 December 10, 2000 Introduction I. The Story of the Grinch: One of my favorite holiday shows is the cartoon classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The story revolves around an old, crusty, nasty, absolutely rotten ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:3-16

Denomination: Church Of God

How To Handle What You Can't Handle

Contributed by Walter Prince, Jr. on Dec 29, 2000

Overcoming suffering which leaves you feeling helpless

Job 1:14 And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them: Job 1:15 And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. Job 1:16 While ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Fear Of Following Series

Contributed by John Vella on Jan 29, 2001

To follow Christ, we have to overcome many fears.

Seeds for Sowing, Vol.V, Issue 2, No. 11 Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C February 4, 2001 Readings: * Is. 6:1-2a, 3-8 * 1Cor. 15:1-11 * Lk. 5:1-11 The Fear of Following The Unnamed Fear I’m sure you’ve all heard of the fear of flying. Some people just can’t get over the fear of getting ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:1-11

Denomination: Catholic

Fear At Christmas

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jan 30, 2003

Fear: What it is and how you can overcome it.

A. FEAR AT CHRISTMAS “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

Perfecting The Victory Dance

Contributed by Nate Barbour on Feb 8, 2003

Learn how to walk in the fullness of a victorious and overcoming life.

Perfecting the Victory Dance Keys to Being a Winner 1/29/03 I. Introduction Muhammad Ali today is called the greatest. However, it hasn’t always been that way. He became the greatest in the eyes of the world over the last 40 years. Muhammad Ali used to “float like a butterfly” and “sting like a ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:14, 1 John 5:4-5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational