We live in a world that is crying out for tranquility in a major way. Every time we go online, or tune into the news somehow, we get an instant negative update centering on greed, violence, and cruelty truly beyond imagination. The worldwide horrors might not be happening to us, specifically, but they affect everyone in some capacity.
In this global society, everybody is affected by what’s happening everywhere in the world. Here are some current examples of situations that could easily affect more than just one country:
- Financial collapse
- Political takeover
- Terrorism (It is spreading like a mega-virus.)
- Aggressive military maneuvers near other countries
- Natural disasters
You see, no country lives in isolation today. Goods, people, cultures, and mindsets cross electronic and geographical borders constantly. Some of it promotes a general goodwill, while much of it encourages hatred, fear, and anger.
Hope: The Solution to Negativity
Certain people may wonder how it’s possible to continue to hope. How can we hold back the literal tsunami of bad news and out-of-control situations?
Well, we can’t stop it. Sorry. We cannot change all of the bad things happening, so we have to learn to adjust to them. One good way to do this is to remind ourselves that most bad situations are temporary.
Hope: The Belief in a Better Tomorrow
Difficult transformations often lead to brighter futures. In order to get breakthroughs, we may have to go through an incredible amount of pain to clear out our messes. In fact, many of us have already survived incredibly difficult times. These trials have probably strengthened us to endure even more challenges. After all, we grow in the darkness.
One of my last articles was an exploration of the Hebrew word, shalom. This term is often translated as peace. Yet, it signifies a deep, inner completeness and wholeness. Shalom is about finding peace in our hearts, not in our circumstances. What’s one way to find peace in our hearts? Hope for positive change!
Hope: The Anchor for our Souls
When ships put down their anchor, they are unable to move much no matter how unstable the weather or the sea becomes. In the same way, when that huge wave of problems threatens to engulf us, our anchor of hope won’t allow us to drift far.
Hope: In What or Whom do we Place It?
Truthfully, people disappoint. No government is as stable as desired. We never know what could happen with our health, our relationships, or our jobs. Circumstances can alter in a heartbeat. Believe me, I could write books on that subject alone.
Only one thing doesn’t change: God. We can give our cares to the God who cares about us. He knows our situation. Our Creator is willing and able to help us.
My Conclusion
“Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.”—Psalm 3:2-6 (NIV)
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For more about hope against all reason, please see my book, Accept No Trash Talk: Overcoming the Odds.
Do you keep up hope despite challenges?
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