Sermons on Total Despair:

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

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

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

Then Came Sunday PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Feb 29, 2024

This sermon explores the power and significance of Jesus Christ's resurrection, emphasizing its role as a testament to life, love, and hope overcoming death, hate, and despair.

Good morning, beloved family. It is a joy, a privilege, and an honor to stand before you today, not because of who I am, but because of who He is. We are gathered here, not as mere spectators, but as active participants in the grand narrative of God's love and redemption. We are here to be touched, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:1-10

Topics: Easter

Get Up & Keep On Moving PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Dec 27, 2023

This sermon explores depression through biblical narratives, emphasizing God's guiding hand and the possibility of finding hope and strength in Christ amidst despair. Key

Welcome, beloved friends, to this shared time of reflection and inspiration. We gather here, not as strangers passing in the night, but as a family united under the banner of Christ's love. We gather in the name of Jesus, who, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, has called us together to seek solace, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-18, Psalm 34:17

Topics: Overcoming Depression

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

Encouraged In The Lord

Contributed by Dennis Williams on Nov 4, 2002

There is not a single, devoted, faithful Christian who has who has an easy, trouble-free life.

Encouraged in the Lord Personal note: Remember to be led of the Lord as you are preaching There is not a single, devoted, faithful Christian who has who has an easy, trouble-free life. Jesus said in this life we would have troubles: He said be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. Every ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:20-21, Philippians 4:1-2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Taming The Tongue Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on May 16, 2003

our words have the same power -- they can bring joy or cause despair. Proverbs 18:21 puts it this way: “The tongue has the power of life and death...”

Taming the Tongue Several years ago, Beth and I went to someone’s house for a party. After we were done eating, a group of adults starting playing volleyball while the kids had a scavenger hunt. After their hunt, the kids divided into 3 different groups. Each group picked up a bed sheet and ...read more

Scripture: James 3:3-12

Denomination: Baptist

Coping With Depression

Contributed by Paul John on Nov 24, 2006

To help people understand a Christian perpective of depression and how we can help others

INTRODUCTION Following death of his wife, a well-known Southern Baptist preacher named Vance Havner published a diary of his experiences as he walked through the ’valley of the shadow of death’. He writes about 3 levels of experience in life and concluded that there are ’mountain top days’ when ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-18

Denomination: Independent/Bible

It's Time To Dig Some Ditches

Contributed by James May on Nov 10, 2002

We must "dig some ditches" in our valley of despair if we want God to fill them with the water of blessings, just like Elisha told the Kings of Israel.

Disclaimer: Due to the large amount of sermons and topics that appear on this site I feel it is necessary to post this disclaimer on all sermons posted. These sermons are original to the author and the leading of the Holy Spirit. While ideas and illustrations are often gleaned from many ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 3:9-18

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Psalm 1:1-6

Contributed by Dan Erickson on Nov 14, 2000

Even our most magnificent achievements seldom bring total satisfaction - Where do we go to find gusto, to find real joy in life?

"You only go around once in life, so you’ve got to grab for all the gusto you can." Some of us remember that television commercial. But, what exactly is gusto? Well, according to my dictionary, it means "vigorous enjoyment, zest." Good stuff, but where do we find it? Well, according to that ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 1:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

The Highest Form Of Faith

Contributed by David Shipman on Dec 8, 2001

Learning to "stand on the Word" can be a hard thing, but when our total confidence is in the Word of God nothing can stop us

Introduction: >Grew up in church since I was 4 >Always heard: Apple of His eye, Chosen people, Blessed and highly favored What does that really mean? 1 Pet 2:9 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Responses To Resurrection

Contributed by Michael Hollinger on Nov 9, 2005

By definition, the resurrection will produce a response. Pick a good one. – These responses might be service, totally committed gratitude, or disdain; the greatest of these is love.

Title: Responses to Resurrection -or- What if it were true? Text: John 12: 1-5 FCF: By definition, the resurrection will produce a response. Pick a good one. – These responses might be service, totally committed gratitude, or disdain; the greatest of these is love. Outline: I. Intro II. Martha ...read more

Scripture: John 12:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Motivation For Commitment

Contributed by Chris Mason on Aug 22, 2001

Motivation is sometimes hard to come by, here are some partical steps in order to keep that motivation for total commitment in your life.

Motivation for Commitment Have you never noticed motivation can be a real problem? I know I need to lose some weight, I’ll start next Monday. I know the grass needs to be mowed, I’ll do it tomorrow. I know the house needs to be painted, I’ll do that this spring. I know the Sunday school ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 119:15-148, Romans 8:37-39

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Should Meeting Jesus Make A Difference In My Life?

Contributed by Greg Addison on Nov 27, 2006

The truth of redemption is that we were so changed totally and completely that we have all we need to live as an example of Jesus.

As we drove around Memphis during our Thanksgiving holiday, we realized that we were commenting when we drove by churches how many were struggling. That prompted us to begin a discussion about why isn’t the church stronger? It seems like so many folks are impacted by the world rather than ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9-25

Denomination: Baptist