Lord, I'm Afraid to Hope Again - Your Nightly Prayer - October 3rd

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Your Nightly Prayer

Lord, I'm Afraid to Hope Again
Your Nightly Prayer
By Angie Grant

TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE

"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." - Romans 15:13

SOMETHING TO PONDER

There's no pain like disappointment- it's a deep ache that resonates within us. For instance, when our child lies, shows a lack of respect, acts entitled, or chooses the wrong friends, it can be deeply disappointing. Our first reaction is to tighten control, set firmer rules, hold back affection, and withdraw trust. After all, how can we trust someone when trust has been compromised?

Romans 15:13 helps us to see it another way! "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." This verse reminds us that our ultimate trust is not in how our child behaves but in God's presence in their lives. Yes, the disappointment-whatever it may be-it all matters and should be addressed with truth and sometimes consequences. But our response after that is so important. Will we respond in fear or faith? It's easy to fall into fear mode —and yes, trust has been broken, and disappointment has occurred —but if we stay there, we miss out on the redemptive work!

Parenting out of fear brings about anxiety and control. Parenting out of faith reassures us and guides us to look at the overflow of hope! What could be and how God might use this!

Not a hope that is rooted in your kiddo's perfection but in the redemptive work of each of our hearts. I often think about how many times I have disappointed my heavenly Father and what His response is to me when I come to Him to seek His forgiveness. I'm pretty sure He doesn't keep tally marks! And quite frankly, my faults and shortcomings always bring about consequences in some way, shape, or form. Restoration of any kind never ignores the behavior. It does, however, create space for honesty to grow again.

Offering second chances reflects the love of the Father; it helps us to pause and remember all the second chances we've received in our own lives. This emphasis on God's redemptive work can bring a sense of hope and encouragement to your child.

So, the next time you're sitting with the sting of disappointment, take a deep breath and remember Romans 15:13. Let it frame how you respond. Allow it to draw you back to the sources of true hope- God himself. Your child's story isn't over, and neither is yours. Broken trust and every hard moment can be an opportunity for restoration. May your parenting be grounded not in fear- but in faith, knowing that God is still at work-writing stories of redemption, one second chance at a time.

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Lord,
In my disappointment, help me not to reach for control, help me react with your wisdom. My heart desires to parent out of love, not fear. I surrender fear, anger, and disappointment. Fill me with joy and peace —not resentment and harshness — as I trust you. May I view my child not by their mistakes but by your mercy. Allow your Holy Spirit to fill me with hope and know you are always at work.
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

1. What unspoken messages might my child be receiving from my disappointment?

2. How have I responded- with control, withdrawal, silence, or grace?

3. Am I placing my trust in my child's behavior or in God's ability to work in their heart?

Angie Grant Angie Grant is passionate about helping others become the best versions of themselves—whether in family life, ministry leadership, or in supporting schools and educators. She’s all in! Her greatest joys—besides Jesus and her husband, Stan—are the four who call her “Mom” (three biological and one through the gift of adoption). An even sweeter title? “Lolli” to her five grandkids.

Angie holds a degree in Child and Family Studies and currently serves on the staff at Cloverhill Church, where she and her husband have been leading for over 25 years. She is the Executive Director of Cloverhill Christian Academy, located in Midlothian, Virginia. Angie is a dedicated advocate for foster children and families, and also serves as a Trust-Based Relational Intervention Practitioner, offering support in her community and beyond. In addition to her roles in church and education, Angie contributes her insight and leadership as a board member for Families First and the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Department of Social Services.

How does she do it all? With purpose and passion—as a coach in family life, ministry, and schools, Angie brings experience, empathy, and a heart for helping others thrive.

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