Feeling despair is easy with current
world events. If you live long enough, you realize the world seems to go from
one catastrophe to another. And certainly, our nation hasn’t seen this much
inner turmoil since the 1960s and 70s.
Where do we find relief?
The key is not to give into
despair. Wringing our hands isn't an option for Christians. Our role is to
lead when it comes to bringing peace, hope, and optimism to those around us.
How is this possible when it
feels like the world is crashing around us?
Because our lives are not rooted
in external circumstances.
We are not of this world. We are to be peacemakers—not of worldly peace
but inner peace (Matthew 5:9). This
begins with resting in God’s assurances.
Don’t
be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will
strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NLT
“For
the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take
delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He
will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17 NLT
If our minds and hearts aren’t
focused on the promises in God’s word through Bible study and prayer, Satan
will work to render us impotent in our Christian walk by sidetracking us with
worry and anxiety.
For
God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and
self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
Jesus warned of hard times in
Matthew 24. He specifically warned Christians that we would suffer because of
him. But we don’t have to get dragged into the propaganda wars that engulf
social media and the 24-hour news cycle. Christians can and should mediate to
diffuse divisiveness and show compassion. Stand up for the oppressed and weak. Champion what is right. In doing so, never lose sight of bringing the hope found in Christ Jesus
through salvation, the peace that envelopes the believer, and our spirit of
optimism that radiates outward to others.
Hope that is found in Jesus’ words:
Because
of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one
who stands firm to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:12-13 NIV
Isn’t this a great promise to
hold onto in the midst of worldly turmoil? If we stand firm, we will be saved.
But
in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to
everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15 NIV
We all have a story to tell!
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
Refrain:
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels, descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels, descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
~Fanny J. Crosby, 1820-1915
Revere Christ. Be prepared with
an answer for the reason of your hope. Be encouraged that angels are around us
with echoes of mercy and whispers of love. We are born of His spirit and washed
in His blood!
Share that encouragement with
those around you. Bless others with your story of hope, peace, and optimism
rooted in Christ Jesus.
What’s your
favorite Bible verse that lifts you up when you’re tempted to despair?
If you need prayer, I’d love to
pray for you. Please leave a comment or email me confidential requests.
Lost in His Love,
Laura
©Laura Hodges Poole
“Holding Hand Gesture” image
courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
“Ray Blue Sky” image courtesy of pakorn
at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
“Bible” image courtesy of pazham
at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
“Silhouette of a Man” image
courtesy of markusa at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
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