Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.
But take heart, because I have overcome the world. – John 16:33
How are you? The events of 2020 have shaken things up in a way that has left many of us feeling like we’ve lost our footing. An ongoing shutdown, political and cultural upheaval and divisiveness have been a collective jolt, leaving us feeling somewhat lost or powerless.
Many are anxious and might even say they are afraid. If that is you, you are NOT alone. One of the many names of Jesus is Immanuel, God with us. Our prayer is that you come to know this Jesus, and that the truth of him as Prince of Peace becomes real to you as you find hope in his promises.
Fear is a signal that something is not right, of potential danger. It’s a cue that we need to pay attention to something that could bring harm. Our bodies respond to fear with adrenaline which prepares us to take quick action.
Fear can also reveal where our hope lies. A good question to ask ourselves is, Where does my hope lie? Is it in my bank account? In my children’s future looking a certain way? In expectations of a certain career path?
Adam and Eve lost their footing in the Garden. They chose to disobey God, bringing sin into God’s perfect creation. What was God’s response? He gave hope! Because he is the God of Hope, the first promise of a deliverer from the consequences of sin is in the third chapter of the Bible. (Genesis 3:15)
Because of that hope, men and women throughout the Bible are told, Fear not. This was a message for people who knew their God. Do not be afraid is a message to those who await a Savior and a message for those who know where true hope is found.
In the Old Testament, they were waiting for a Savior. For many years, it did not look like he would come. At just the right time, God sent a Savior to die for the sins of mankind.
Today we wait for Jesus’ promised return and promised citizenship in heaven. As in the first coming, it may not look like he will come. It may feel like God is silent, but at just the right time, he will return. He always keeps his promises.
Some of Jesus’ final words on earth were these,
Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. – John 14:1-3
What do you think that place will look like? Can you imagine yourself living in your Father’s house?
For all creation is waiting patiently and hopefully for that future day when God will resurrect his children. For on that day thorns and thistles, sin, death, and decay-the things that overcame the world against its will at God’s command—will all disappear, and the world around us will share in the glorious freedom from sin which God’s children enjoy. – Romans 8:19
What a glorious day! Death and decay will be no more and God will make all things right. Oh happy day!
Do you know this God of hope? We’d love to introduce you to him! If you would like to talk to someone, please reach out to us and leave a message in the comment section. We’d be happy to chat!
For further exploration:
- Do a fear inventory. Drill down to see where I am placing my hope.
- Invite the Holy Spirit into those places where fear is popping up. Ask for his help, his courage and thank him for his deliverance.
- Do a search for the promises of God. Write out 2-3 on an index card and share with your family.
- Do a search for hope in the Bible. There are close to 300 references! Write out 2-3 on an index card and put up on the bathroom mirror.
For further support:
- If anxiety is causing disruption in your family, you can find great counseling resources here.
- Do you want to learn more about what hope in Christ is all about? Contact Us and someone will connect with you.
Finally, we pray Romans 15:13 for you:
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.
