Sermons on Overcoming Despair:

Total Absence Of An Exit

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Aug 26, 2012

Listen, Paul was absolutely sure he was going to die for the gospel that he had pronounced the sentence upon himself. (The Lord took Paul to the point at which he could not fall back on any intellectual, physical, or emotional human resource.

Total Absence of an Exit 2 Corinthians 1:8-10NJK For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:8-10

Denomination: Pentecostal

Ambition

Contributed by Geoffrey Foot on Apr 4, 2017

James and John wanted to to sit at Christ's side in His kingdom - is this raw ambition? or is there something else here we can learn from?

Ambition Matthew 20:20 - 28 Today we see two of Jesus' closest disciple being ambitious, the request to sit at Christ's side in His kingdom. Ironically in Mark’s gospel it is James and John who actually come to Jesus with this request. In Matthew, today's gospel, it is their mother… ambition. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:20-28, Mark 10:35-45

Divine Mercy Sunday--Second Sunday Of Easter (Or Sunday Of Divine Mercy)

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Mar 30, 2020

Jesus really did rise from the dead and come back to harass the very people who betrayed him." …Harass your heart, that is, if you are withholding forgiveness from someone.

Jim Friedrich shared that at the entrance to Jerusalem’s Church of All Nations, next to the Garden of Gethsemane, there is a sign warning every visitor: “NO EXPLANATIONS INSIDE THE CHURCH.” The sign is intended to discourage over-talkative tour guides but it’s also what Jesus practiced after his ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-31

Denomination: Catholic

He Brought Me Out Of The Miry Clay

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jun 13, 2025

The “miry clay” represents situations that are sticky, messy, and hard to escape. It symbolises spiritual bondage, emotional turmoil, and moral failure. But God does not abandon His people in such states. He inclines His ear to us, hears our cry, and lifts us out with His mighty hand.

HE BROUGHT ME OUT OF THE MIRY CLAY By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Psalm 40:1-3 Supporting Texts: Jeremiah 38:6-13, Psalm 18:16-19, Colossians 1:13, Isaiah 61:1-3, Luke 15:17-24 INTRODUCTION: There are moments in life when it feels like we are sinking—overwhelmed by sin, pain, confusion, or ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 40:1-3

Denomination: Assembly Of God

God Of Hope Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 9, 2025

In this message, we will explore how the God of hope restores broken dreams, strengthens the weary, and leads His children to a glorious future.

GOD OF HOPE By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Romans 15:13 Supporting Texts: Jeremiah 29:11, Lamentations 3:21-23, Hebrews 6:18-19, Psalm 42:11, Isaiah 40:31 INTRODUCTION: We live in a world clouded with despair, uncertainty, and fear. Many have lost hope due to personal failures, delayed ...read more

Scripture: Romans 15:13

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Shipwrecked: Our Condition Before Christ Series

Contributed by Paul Dayao on Sep 27, 2025

Using the analogy of a shipwreck, this sermon on Ephesians 2:1-3 explores Paul's stark description of our condition without Christ: spiritually dead, helplessly swept along by the currents of the world, the flesh, and the devil, and destined for God's just wrath.

Introduction Imagine a person who has survived a terrible shipwreck. They are floating alone in the middle of a vast, dark ocean. Though they are breathing and their heart is beating, are they truly alive? They are cut off from land, from safety, from any source of help. They are completely at the ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

Trusting God In The Wilderness PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 16, 2023

To teach us how to handle discouragement by learning from Moses' experience in the wilderness, emphasizing the importance of prayer and finding comfort in God's presence.

Good morning, beloved family! Today we are going to journey together into the story of the Israelites wandering in the wilderness and learn from Moses how to tackle discouragement, power up with prayer, and bask in the comfort of God's presence. In the words of the renowned Christian author, A.W. ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 11:1-15

Topics: Death, Depression

Every Step Of The Way Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Dec 29, 2013

Jeremiah points out that God will be faithful to you every step of the way. Each day when you rise, God will already be taking care of you. His grace, strength and love will be as much a daily part of you life as is breathing.

LAMENTATIONS 3: 21-25 EVERY STEP OF THE WAY [Philippians 4:10-13] It was the first morning of the first grade. Little Johnny was having breakfast with his parents, talking about what would happen in the YEARS TO COME. "After the first grade, I'll be in the second, then the third, then..." ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 3:19-25

Denomination: Baptist

Dwelling In The Land Of Desperation

Contributed by Donald Cantrell on Feb 21, 2014

Jairus was thrust into the land of desperation and every ounce of faith that he had was to be tested.

Title: “Dwelling in the Land of Desperation” Theme: “Jairus dwelled in desperation, but he didn’t die there” Text: “Luke 8: 41 – 56” I – Desperation and its Dreadful Appearance A) Its Appearance can be Random and Unexpected B) Its ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:41-56

Denomination: Baptist

The Wicked And The Righteous Are Compared

Contributed by Timm Meyer on Oct 30, 2009

Pentecost 2(C) - The ways of the wicked and the ways of the righteous are compared. The ways of the wicked do not endure. The righteous are blessed.

THE WICKED AND THE RIGHTEOUS ARE COMPARED (Outline) June 14, 2009 -- PENTECOST 2 -- Psalm 1:1-6 INTRO: Psalm 1 clearly compares the believer and unbeliever. There can arise a problem in respect to comparisons. It can be called: “Compare and despair”. This happens almost daily. We ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 1:1-6

Denomination: Lutheran

God's Judgment On Wickedness Series

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Nov 29, 2021

This chapter deals with the familiar story of “the hand writing on the wall.” This is a warning of a consequence of wicked living.

Tonight, we get into chapter 5. This chapter deals with the familiar story of “the hand writing on the wall.” That phrase has become synonymous with having a reality check. Someone will say, “Yeah, he saw the handwriting on the wall with that situation.” I’m going to lead up to that point of ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 5:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

Lord, I'm Tired PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Jan 21, 2024

This sermon explores how Elijah's experiences of fear, frustration, and overwhelm can guide us in navigating our own similar moments with faith.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we gather here today in the warm embrace of our shared faith, united by the love of our Savior and the common pursuit of understanding His Word. We are not here by accident but by divine appointment. We are not just a gathering of individuals ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-4

Topics: Fear, Frustration, Overwhelm

Running On Empty

Contributed by Paul Dawson on Oct 12, 2014

II Kings 4:1-7 - The story of the Widow of the Prophet with the endless bottle of oil

Introduction A. It is thought by some that Obadiah of I Kings 18 could have been the husband of this widow. B. At any rate we know she is the widow of a prophet and prior to his death she had no worries. C. All was well until death came knocking on her door and then her whole life was turned ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 4:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Choosing Optimism In The Face Of Adversity

Contributed by Delishia Davis on May 2, 2025

It is important to remain optimistic because your hope is in Jesus.

Choosing Optimism in the Face of Adversity "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." – 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lived a life that exemplified unwavering ...read more

Denomination: United Methodist

Standing Strong Amidst Trials SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 11, 2023

This sermon provides encouragement for those currently experiencing suffering, as well as those who may face it in the future. It emphasizes the strength and joy that can be found even in times of hardship.

Today, I want to encourage all of you who are going through difficult times. Despite the challenges we face, we can still find joy and stand strong. No matter what we've been through, we can declare, "I'm still standing!" In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul addresses three main points: ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18

Topics: Suffering, Joy