We live in a broken world. This is obvious when we open our news app and read the headlines of disasters, wars and political unrest around the world. Then, you talk with a friend or family member and the distant unrest and tragedies quickly become more personal: the loss of a husband, child or loved one; a cancer diagnosis; feelings of loneliness or depression; unemployment; divorce; abuse; and for my Afghan friends, the daily struggles of missing their family and homeland as they slowly acclimate to a new culture. Sorrow and grief are a very real part of life in this world – for all of us. Yet, they serve as constant reminders that this world is not our forever home. Something greater is yet to come!
Experiencing a traumatic event can leave us deeply wounded with feelings of hopelessness and a longing for a safer place. Like the heroes of faith from Hebrews 11, we long for a better world – a heavenly one. The writer of Hebrews describes these Old Testament heroes as aliens and strangers in a foreign land who experienced great suffering and persecution. Yet, their faith in the Lord was their testimony. Their faith in God’s Kingdom was their hope. As followers of Christ, we are like these heading towards our eternal heavenly home. Heaven is the “new country” where Jesus will reign in perfect justice and righteousness. He will be King overall and will wipe away every tear. In His Kingdom, the troubles of this world will cease: no more death or broken relationships; no injustices; no wars or disasters; no more sickness. Jesus will make everything new, and we will enjoy Him forever. What a tremendous hope we have in Jesus!
In the midst of our grief and sorrow in this life, it’s easy to lose heart. These sufferings, although real and difficult, are temporary compared to the eternal treasures stored up for us in Christ. So, like the Hebrew Christians, we are encouraged to recenter our thoughts and to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith...to consider Him so we will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1,2). No doubt, until we are called home or until Christ returns, we will continue to experience the brokenness of this world. However, in the power of the Spirit, we can lift our eyes to Jesus and focus our hope not on our circumstances now, but what has been promised. Something greater is yet to come!
When you are overwhelmed and feeling hopeless, where is your safe place? What truths can you cling to today to give you hope?
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)
- Deneen McDonald (U.S. Director, Crown of Beauty)