Where Can We Find Hope in the World We Live in Today?
Where can we find hope in the world we live in today?
When embraced and acted upon, one of the most encouraging scriptures we can find on hope against the turmoil we see everywhere is John 16:33: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
We can probably all agree that we are surrounded by a great amount of negativity throughout the Earth. Currently, time can be measured by “before Covid” or “after Covid”, government and politics seem to be nothing more than a tug-of-war between parties, and the demands of life are simply overwhelming. Worry is off the charts for making ends meet, possible job losses related to Covid, keeping the family healthy, and with so much racial and political tension, keeping our loved ones safe. Additionally, all of us are dealing with our own personal hurts and frustrations stemming from church divisions, health problems, marital issues, and much more.
And so, our hearts are longing for peace and our future is begging for hope.
Isaiah 55:9 tells us, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Human beings that rely on human methods will never reach the heights of peace, joy, hope, and encouragement that come only from God when we follow His ways. Something that is incredibly beautiful about the God we serve is that the instructions and guidance He gives to mankind through His Word are because He wants the very best for us. John 10:10 sums things up nicely: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Satan has had thousands of years to come up with ways to distract and discourage God’s children. Even so, we are not defenseless, and we can live victoriously!
Philippians 4:8-9 give clear and simple guidance that can completely change our lives if we wholeheartedly embrace and apply its instructions: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
There is no need for us to bury our heads in the sand, but we do need to make the conscious effort and commitment to change our train of thought. If we want to bring hope to life in our own lives, followed by the lives of our families, friends, communities, and beyond, we must start with ourselves.
What kind of music do we listen to?
What type of books and magazines are we reading?
What type of movies and TV shows are we spending hours in front of?
What kind of news and social media do we indulge in or participate in?
Do they line up with Philippians 4:8-9?
What type of friends do we hold closest?
Taking inventory of where we are currently helps us identify problems that we can immediately rectify. Many of God’s ways include the elimination of things that hinder the benefits and blessings He offers. For example, horror books and movies can rob our peace. Certain types of music can depress us. Close friendships with others who thrive on political arguments and hot debates over Covid/masks/vaccines/mandates can cause anxiety to soar in our minds. The ways of man condition us to accept and participate in what surrounds us, thus keeping us in a place of hopelessness. But God’s ways are higher. Eliminate what hinders us and begin to feel the difference.
The news media thrives on fear and division. Knowing current events that affect us is necessary, but limiting our intake is essential. Socializing online is easy relaxation, but the constant barrage of open insults and arguing over hot topics can weary us. Fine-tuning our social circles removes stress and contention.
What does the atmosphere of our home feel like? Are we keeping our homes a place of peace, not allowing fear, hostility, division, and other negative emotions and actions to dominate our discussions or attitudes? The Good News Translation of Proverbs 18:21 says it well: “What you say can preserve life or destroy it; so you must accept the consequences of your words.” Does our environment encourage hope and positivity? We can make a difference, and it should begin in our own homes.
When our minds do what is necessary to acquire peace, hope has a place to grow and blossom. Romans 15:13 (GNT) encourages us: “May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
If we take God’s instructions seriously and apply the scriptures above to our lives, we will experience a difference. God does not lie, and His ways are perfect.
Reviving hope by making changes in ourselves and our own lives first is only the beginning of seeing the abundant life Jesus wants His people to have.
Are we ready to live again? Yes, we are!
