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How to Maintain Hope in Despair: A Bible Study

Paula Rose Parish M.A.
3 min readJul 21, 2024
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash Open Bible and coffee

Ezekiel 37:1–14

Ezekiel 37:1–14 paints a vivid picture of restoration and renewal. Ezekiel finds himself in a valley filled with dry bones in this passage. The dry bones are a symbol of despair and hopelessness. Yet, God’s Spirit brings these bones back to life, forming a vast army. Ezekiel shows us how to survive despair. The vivid image of dry bones speaks to the power of God’s grace in tough times. God’s grace breathes life into the most desolate situations. It is God who teaches us how to maintain hope in despair.

The Valley of Despair

As Christians, we sometimes find ourselves in valleys of despair. Sometimes we feel surrounded by dry bones. They are the bones of broken dreams, shattered hopes, and spiritual dryness. Yet, Ezekiel’s vision reminds us that God can bring life out of death, hope out of despair, and beauty out of ashes. God allows trials and tribulations in our life to teach us how to maintain hope in the midst of despair.

It’s perfectly natural to experience moments of spiritual dryness. It makes us feel that we are far from God. The Holy Spirit gives us new life. It revitalizes our faith.

This passage challenges us to trust in God’s power. He will bring restoration and renewal, even in unlikely circumstances.

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Paula Rose Parish M.A.
Paula Rose Parish M.A.

Written by Paula Rose Parish M.A.

Psychotherapist and Author Paula Rose writes on Holistic Health and Wellness, True Crime and Christian Spirituality.

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