“I’m trying not to get my hopes up.”
Have you ever said these words? For many of us, they reveal a tension between wanting to know how to trust in God and fearing the sting of disappointment. But what does it really mean to have hope as a Christian, to trust in God?
In all things, we know that God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28, NIV).
Christian Hope vs. Wishful Thinking
Hope isn’t just about positive thinking or wishing for good outcomes.
True Christian hope is a grace that orients us toward eternity and helps us trust in God’s promises, even when life feels uncertain. As the Catechism says, hope is the desire for Heaven and eternal life, trusting in God’s help to achieve it (CCC 1821).
In contrast, our earthly desires—relationships, careers, or accomplishments—are good but often incomplete. When we place our ultimate hope in these things instead of in Jesus, disappointment can feel overwhelming. But when we see those desires in light of eternity, even unfulfilled longings can draw us closer to God.
Learning Hope Through Disappointment
In seasons of transition or loss, it’s tempting to wonder if God is holding out on us. But hope reminds us that He is always working for our good, even when it looks different from what we expected . As Romans 5:5 says, “Hope does not disappoint us,” because it roots us in the faithfulness of Christ.
Disappointment often becomes a classroom for hope, teaching us to seek Jesus in unexpected places. When the outcome isn’t what we wanted, hope invites us to trust that He is still present—offering new graces, deeper intimacy, and the promise of eternity with Him.
Living in True Hope
Choosing hope is not always easy. It requires perseverance, trust, and a willingness to seek Jesus in every circumstance. But when our hope in Him, it won’t leave us empty. We can get our hopes up—not in outcomes, but in the One who promised to never leave us.
So even when life feels uncertain or disappointing, let’s cultivate the kind of hope that looks beyond the present and sees God’s eternal goodness at work. It might not always be what we expect, but it will always lead us closer to His heart.
FAQ: How to Trust in God
1. What does it mean to trust in God?
Trusting in God means placing your faith in His goodness, wisdom, and plan for your life. It’s about believing that He loves you deeply and is working all things for your good, even when life feels uncertain or disappointing (Romans 8:28).
2. How is Christian hope different from wishful thinking?
Christian hope is rooted in God’s promises and the desire for eternal life, as described in the Catechism (CCC 1821). Unlike wishful thinking, which focuses on temporary outcomes, Christian hope orients us toward eternity, trusting that God’s plan is perfect—even when things don’t go as expected.
3. Why is it hard to trust in God during difficult times?
It’s natural to struggle with trust when life feels uncertain or when prayers seem unanswered. Disappointment can make us feel as though God is distant. However, these moments are opportunities to grow in faith, recognizing that God’s ways often differ from our expectations but are always for our ultimate good.
4. How can I trust God when I’m disappointed?
Disappointment can teach us to seek Jesus in unexpected places. When an outcome isn’t what we hoped for, trust in God reminds us that He is still present, offering grace and guiding us toward deeper intimacy with Him. Reflecting on Scripture, such as Romans 5:5, can help: “Hope does not disappoint us.”
5. How do I strengthen my trust in God?
- Pray Regularly: Ask for the grace to trust God more deeply. Practices like Ignatian Contemplation can help deepen your relationship with Him.
- Read Scripture: Meditate on verses that affirm God’s faithfulness, such as Proverbs 3:5-6 or Jeremiah 29:11.
- Remember Past Faithfulness: Reflect on times when God has worked in your life before.
- Surrender Daily: Consciously place your fears and desires in God’s hands, trusting that He will guide you.
6. Can disappointment strengthen my trust in God?
Yes. Disappointment often becomes a classroom for hope and trust. It challenges us to let go of earthly attachments and rely on God’s eternal promises. By seeking Him in difficult times, we grow in faith and recognize that His presence sustains us, even when life feels uncertain.
7. What are practical ways to trust in God daily?
- Start Your Day with Prayer: Begin each morning by surrendering your plans to God.
- Practice Gratitude: Focus on the blessings in your life to cultivate trust in God’s provision.
- Rely on Community: Share your struggles with trusted friends or spiritual mentors who can encourage and pray with you.
- Take Small Steps of Faith: Trust God in small decisions to build confidence in His guidance for bigger ones.
8. What should I do when I feel like God is silent?
God’s silence doesn’t mean His absence. Use this time to draw closer to Him through prayer, Scripture, and reflection. Trust that He may be working in ways you cannot see and preparing your heart for what’s to come.
9. How do I cultivate hope when life feels overwhelming?
- Focus on Jesus and His promises rather than specific outcomes.
- Remember that hope is a virtue that requires perseverance and trust.
- Ground yourself in the truth of God’s love and faithfulness, even in challenging circumstances.
10. How can I encourage others to trust in God?
Share your testimony of how God has worked in your life. Offer to pray with or for them, and point them to Scripture that reinforces God’s love and promises. Your faith and example can inspire others to trust Him more fully.
Additional Resources
For further exploration of hope, how to trust in God, and navigating life’s challenges, consider these insightful articles from the FOCUS blog: The Universal Call to Rest – discover the importance of rest in your spiritual life and how it rejuvenates your hope and faith. How to Pray: A Step-by-Step Guide to Ignatian Contemplation– learn a powerful method of prayer to deepen your relationship with God and strengthen your hope in His plans.
For even more on hope and how to trust in God, listen to Fr. Mike Schmidt break it down on the SEEK podcast:
For even more great Catholic resources, check out our podcast, which features talks from our SEEK conference, and our YouTube channel for videos and more!
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