If ever we needed a message of hope, it is now! Every day seems to bring more tragic news from around the world. At times, this sorrow hits our own lives – loss of a loved one, financial struggles, health issues, or other unexpected struggles.
One day, I was walking my dog and asked God, “Lord, I can hardly handle the sad news I hear each day, but You see all the heartaches, tragedies, and sinful acts by every person on the planet. How do you ever smile?” Then I heard a still small voice say, “Sue, I look at you and all my beautiful sons and daughters and it brings joy to my heart.”
If we begin each day, grounding ourselves with the encouraging Word of God, we can have hope and joy amidst the suffering. “And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us” (Romans 5:5).
When we allow the Spirit to refresh us throughout the day with God’s love, we are filled with hope! Our hope is in our Savior. Not only did he rescue us from our sins, but He will shepherd us for eternity in a place without sorrow, death, or pain (see Revelation 21:4). For many of us, we already have loved ones who are daily experiencing the joy of being physically present with Christ.
The apostle Paul exhorts us to “Be joyful with hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality” (Romans 12:12-13). This is a beautiful application to lift us out of feelings of despair and into joy. What part of these two verses can you demonstrate today so you can be the living hope to those around you?
- Sue Corl