Despair. Depression. Doubt. Defeat. Darkness.
These are the “dragons” we face.
When these attacks of the enemy strike, we’re naturally equipped for battle, right? We always brandish our “swords” with fervent hearts and Christ-centered spirits, never frightened or shaken by the enemy.
If only this were true.
Instead, we often find ourselves struggling to stand—let alone fight back—against the lies of the enemy. It might be one small pesky dragon that continually nips at our heels and wears us down. Or perhaps there are many gigantic dragons, rearing their heads and filling our minds with fire and fog so thick we can’t find a path forward.
Either way, fighting a “dragon” requires confidence, courage, and tenacity. After all, there’s a reason why “Slay a Dragon Day” falls within the National Month of Hope. For without hope, we find ourselves stressed, worn, and weary:
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” [Proverbs 13:12, NIV]
Hope is what our soul craves.
Definition of hope
Finding hope in a world so void of faith often feels futile. It’s not a quest for the fainthearted, it’s true.
But here’s the good news: hope in the Bible isn’t about “making wishes” and expecting them to magically appear. It isn’t about putting our faith in fanciful dreams or living in a state of constant yearning for our “maybe someday” moment to finally show up.
Biblical hope is based on something far greater.
“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, NIV]
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” [Hebrews 6:19-20, NIV]
As defined in scripture, hope is found in the person of Christ. He is our high priest, seated at the right hand of the Father, working out goodness in our lives on our behalf:
“Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” [Romans 8:24, NIV]
Hope means having a confident expectation of good. It means putting our hope in Christ, and His goodness, despite the times when the dragon of despair rears its ugly head.
It’s easier said than done, but when we redefine what hope means to our hearts, we can trade feeling hopeless for feeling hopeful. We can tread upon the dragons out to defeat us [Psalm 91:13].
George and the dragon
There are many “dragon legends” across history and culture, but one of the most prominent is that of “George and the dragon” from medieval literature.
So the tale is told, George, a brave knight, sets out to save a kingdom from a terrible fire-breathing dragon. This dragon has been terrorizing the kingdom, demanding sacrifices and killing the villagers. In fact, the situation eventually reaches such a heightened state of evil that the dragon decides to capture the princess herself! However, just when all seems lost, George arrives and slays the dragon with his spear. By doing so, he frees the village from the bondage of the dragon’s darkness.
This legend highlights the battle of good versus evil, reminding us that light and hope will always win in the end. However, as believers, we have more power than George’s skills, spear, and steadfast heart combined.
We can fight our dragons with the hope of Christ, pushing back the darkness of despair and “slaying” the enemy forces that suffocate our souls.
Words of hope
Even when we’re feeling hopeless, we can take heart and root our spirits in God’s promises.
Here’s what’s true – we never go into battle alone. Jesus walks through the valleys with us, guiding us and shepherding our souls [Psalm 23]. What’s more, we’re armed with the “sword of the Spirit”, which is the Word of God [Ephesians 6:17]. When we speak words of hope into the darkness, we reflect the light of the Lord. When we call on His name, we can set our confidence on things above, knowing that His name is above every other name [Philippians 2:9-11]. He reigns above it all – hallelujah!
This doesn’t mean that we won’t face deep despair, discouragement, or depression. It doesn’t mean that we won’t fall short or take the wrong path. It doesn’t mean we won’t stumble and fall, bruising our hearts in the process. It doesn’t mean that we won’t give up sometimes, letting the dragons gain more ground over our minds.
This is okay, because even then, especially then, Bible verses about hope remind us that despair doesn’t win. God reminds us that we are still His beloved children.
The dragons may roar. The flames of fear may burn bright. The smoke of shame may seem stifling. But God will fight for you – you only need to be still [Exodus 14:14].
“What if hope’s not a rope you hold onto.
What if it’s the arms that have always held you.
On the edge when it feels like you’re not gonna pull through
Is the place you discover that hope’s gonna find you.” -Ellie Holcomb, Hope’s Gonna Find You
Embracing the adventure of living with Christ means embracing all the parts of our lives. Yes, that includes the dragons, too.
Despair. Depression. Doubt. Defeat. Darkness.
These are the “dragons” we face.
But what is life, if to not to confront and slay our dragons with Christ so we can serve His kingdom?
After all, as author J.R.R. Tolkien writes:
“It simply isn’t an adventure worth telling if there aren’t any dragons.”
