Sometimes when we look around us or watch national news on the television, seeing the condition of the world, we feel these are the most troubling times ever and there is no good news. Possibly it is the instant 24-hour news of mostly terrible events that just seem to overwhelm us. Almost as soon as it happens we have it in our living rooms.
Now these are probably not the most troubling times in history. However, we do know that these days we live in are full of trouble and anxiety. Sadly, too many people today live with a sense of despair, hopelessness and the discouragement about the future. Will things ever get better?
The good news is that as Christians, those of us who love and follow Jesus Christ, try and not let the world’s ups and downs determine whether we live in hope or despair. Jesus Christ is with us whatever happens and is coming again to take control by establishing His rule of righteousness in the world.
Now to say we believe in Jesus is not just Christian speak. It is the wonderful truth. The Apostle Peter, under the inspiration of God, tells us of the Christian’s “living hope.” He wrote to Christians under great persecution in Rome, experiencing terrible suffering. Read his words, “Blessed be God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” (1 Peter 1:3).
The reason we have this marvelous “living hope” is because Jesus conquered the dead and the grave. If Christ has overcome the enemy of death, then there is no situation we face that cannot be overcome through Him. The reason you can have this hope is named Jesus.
So, when you feel discouraged, overwhelmed and beat down, turn your heart and mind to Him. “Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request by known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Have hope.
Dr. David Bouler of Global Faith Ministries, Chattanooga, Tennessee, contributed this column to the Journal Review. He can be reached by email at debouler@aol.com.
