The last 4 weeks or so have certainly been unprecedented for this generation as we navigate new norms for the time being. I know for many this is an incredibly scary and difficult time, as jobs are lost, financial stability is wavering, health is compromised and loved ones are lost. The emotions people are experiencing during this time are very real and they are valid. People are grieving, they are lonely, anxious and fearful. Our world is in desperate need of hope.
So my question for you is: Where is your hope rooted?
Is it in your job or your finances? What about your spouse or your children? Perhaps your hope is placed in the hands of politicians, policies, or doctors. It could be that your hope is rooted in your accomplishments or your future plans and dreams for your life. Maybe you have little or no hope at all.
The truth is, placing your hope in anything that is of this world will bring nothing but disappointment and even more anxiety. Everything and anyone you could ever place your hope in on this earth will ultimately fail you. They are all temporary and have their faults.
But Jesus…
He was scourged, beaten, mocked, and crucified. Living a sinless life, but dying an excruciatingly painful and horrific criminal’s death. He chose this for you and for me so that we can be right with God, despite our sins against Him, and so we can have a relationship with Him. But it doesn’t end there...
Jesus rose from the grave! He defeated death and this is why we have hope!
For me it is a hope that does not waver. It is a hope that trumps any worries about my circumstances, my finances, my health, my family and friends, and my plans for my life. It’s a hope that brings me a peace that surpasses all understanding – even in the midst of complete chaos. This hope reminds me that everything we ever have or experience on this earth is temporary and is meaningless if it doesn’t glorify Him. None of it compares to what awaits us in the glory of eternity.
“Knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4: 14-18)
We cannot have fear and hope at the same time. So in times of fear or worry and even in times of disappointment I remind myself of what Jesus did. I seek the Lord and His truth and I am met with overwhelming hope and joy. I am reminded that God is faithful. I am reminded of Matthew 6:25-34 that speaks of God’s provision over the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, so how much more will He provide for us?
My friend, you have a creator who loves you and knows you so intimately. He formed you in your mother’s womb. He has a plan for your life. He knows exactly what you are struggling with at this very moment and He wants to help you through it; but you have to invite Him in. We all go through storms in our lives. We all experience fear, worry, and doubt. Jesus wants to meet us in those storms and walk us through them, but He will never force Himself upon us.
We are in dark times, but there is hope and light to be found, not just for the here and now but for eternity! Now, today, this resurrection Sunday is the time to give your life to Jesus so that you may experience the hope that fills you with joy and peace.