February 2, 2025

From Stress to Hope

Daily Devotional2 Minutes

How can you move from stress to hope? Keep reading!

“Saul said to his armor bearer, ‘Draw your sword and pierce me through with it …’ But his armor bearer was not willing … So Saul took his sword and fell on it.”—1 Samuel 31:4 NASB

Soldiers are perpetual targets; they face constant worries and are always aware that their actions could result in victory or defeat, life or death. Stress is a primary cause of a sharp increase in US Army suicides.

Saul was a soldier who knew this kind of stress, with emotions compounded by his burdens as king of Israel. After enduring years of internal and external struggles, he watched as the Philistines defeated his army and killed many men, including his own sons.

After being wounded himself, Saul became so hopeless that he asked his armor bearer to kill him. Paralyzed with fear, he refused, so Saul took his own life.

Was his death inevitable? No. Saul brought it on by his own mistakes—his jealousy, disobedience, and decision to turn his back on God.

When we face despair, we should remember the cry in Psalm 42 of a person in deep despair. He found hope and help as he turned to God, seeking Him “as the deer pants for the water brooks” (v. 1).

Instead of bottling up his discouragement, he poured out his feelings to the Lord. He said, “Wait for God, for I will again praise Him for the help of His presence, my God” (Psalm 42:11).

If you start to feel depressed, turn to God. Place your hope in Him. He will restore your joy, fulfill your hope, and give you victory.

Reflection Question: What stressful situations are you dealing with right now?

Prayer
God, I put my hope in You. Help me not to be discouraged because of stressful life experiences. Thank You for giving me victory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Today's Bible Reading
1 Samuel 31


Prayer
God, I put my hope in You. Help me not to be discouraged because of stressful life experiences. Thank You for giving me victory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Today's Bible Reading
1 Samuel 31