Hope When Heartache Lingers
BRENDA BRADFORD OTTINGER
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“The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.” Lamentations 3:25-26 (NIV)
On any given day, hidden beneath my smile flows an ache that travels my veins and beats in my heart. The days gather into years as I quietly wait in hope, supporting a loved one through extended health challenges.
I think a lot about hope these days, seeking to understand this merciful mystery that comforts our spirits through life’s long seasons.
Have you, too, experienced a season of quietly waiting in hope for the Lord to heal a heartache in your life? The weight of this wait can feel heavy, yet hope has a tender way of meeting us in the midst and sustaining us in the setbacks.
Lately I’m drawn to this comforting assurance: “The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD” (Lamentations 3:25-26).
A prophet of God relayed this message to the Israelites after their enemies had destroyed their homeland and exiled them to Babylon. In that heavy season, these words were a soothing reminder that all hope is in the Lord Almighty, who is good to those who seek Him and wait for His rescue.
As I reflect on this enduring truth, I’m learning that hope is a haven, not a harvest. It's a refuge, not a result. Hope isn’t a wistful want for the future — hope is a confident calm in the midst of the wait, a quiet knowing that the Lord is forever good to those who seek Him.
In the sacred veil of time between what is and what will be, God tenderly covers us with His care. And in this sheltered space, we realize hope is an act of worship, an offering of trust to the One who comforts our todays and cradles our tomorrows.
Dear friend, whatever ache your heart holds as you wait in hope for God, remember He hasn’t forgotten you. He hears your prayers, He collects your tears, and He personally tends your story.
His power has not lost its authority. Our great God goes before us and is already there at the end of our heavy seasons. We can trust the pace of His plan, for He knows how each chapter unfolds.
Sweeter still, the precious through line of hope in our stories isn’t in solutions but in the Savior. Jesus, the hope of humanity, exchanged His earthly life for our eternal life with Him in heaven, where every heavy thing of this world will be made light.
Dear Lord, thank You for carefully tending my story and covering my heart with hope in the midst of the wait. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
When heartache lingers and you feel like you're losing steam, sometimes the prayers you cry out to God feel meaningless. But, friend, remember this truth that you read in today’s devotion: God’s power has not lost its authority. If you need further encouragement to keep praying and crying out to the Lord in a difficult season, this recent Therapy & Theology episode with Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, and counselor Jim Cress is just for you. Start listening right here!
ENGAGE
For more encouragement, connect with Brenda on her website or on Instagram.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Psalm 40:1, “I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry” (NLT).
Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (NIV).
With open palms, release your heartache to God Almighty, who is forever sovereign over our sorrows. Rest in His haven of hope as you wait for His faithful rescue.
We’d love for you to share your thoughts in the comments.
© 2026 by Brenda Bradford Ottinger. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
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