I’ve had this growing sense lately that everything around us is coming undone.
One bad news story after another. Wars. Natural Disasters. Poverty. People aren’t living up to what they claim to believe and we’re fighting amongst ourselves in the body of Christ.
What is happening to this world?
It’s disheartening to see more and more evil in our world.
But let’s keep one thing in mind.
While the world is changing Jesus Christ hasn’t.
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Hebrews 13:8
I believe that is the type of message we should hold on to.
This is the same Jesus who calmed the winds on that sea. He who helped the leper. He who saved sinners and healed the sick. Jesus hasn’t turned his back on us because of our situation.
He still cares for us today.
There Will Come Times Of Trouble
We may believe that once we become more devout followers of Christ everything will fall into place.
We’ll start praying. Going to church. Studying the Word. We’ll live holy lives and nothing will go wrong.
Well that isn’t the case either.
Sickness will come. Family members will fall ill. People will lose jobs. Marriages will fail. Kids will drift from the faith and prayers may not be answered.
Some may question why this happens.
Jesus never said there wouldn’t be trouble in this world.
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Notice he didn’t say you might face trouble, he said you will.
But what he gave us is better than a world free of trouble.
He gave us Himself.
My peace comes from knowing Christ not what’s going on in this world.
That is something I have to remind myself of often.
I will never have peace in this world if I base it off of everything going right in my life. But when I focus on Christ that’s something I can always count on.
Stand Firm In Your Faith
Jesus said to his disciples.
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” Matthew 5:14
He wasn’t telling them to stay under covers until things get better. He wasn’t telling them to sit around afraid of what may come.
He was telling them to shine.
Especially when darkness is spreading around us.
There is plenty of room in this world for hatred. Anger. Selfishness. Despair.
But why don’t we stand out as believers? Show others that there are those who still believe in patience. Love. Kindness. Giving to others. Forgiving those who hurt us.
Maybe people could see Jesus through us.
We aren’t perfect but we are trying.
We should live our lives as if we truly believe what we say. As if we’re going to see Christ one day.
Starting with those who are closest to us.
Our spouse. Kids. Coworkers. Anyone that you may disagree with on certain issues.
Show them that you love them. Speak the word of Christ over their lives.
Maybe pray for them or simply help them out.
That’s what we’re called to do as believers.
Keep Your Focus On Christ
There are so many distractions that can pull us away from God.
News articles. Social media. Everyone wanting to share their opinion. We learn more about what’s happening in the world than we know what to do with it.
Don’t get me wrong I think it’s important to know what’s happening around us.
But let’s make sure we aren’t letting it overtake our thoughts.
Philippians 4:8 tells us to think about the things that are good and pure. Things that will bring peace to our lives.
I believe if we did that more often we would see a big change in our lives.
Start your day off by praying. Read Gods Word before you read the news. Focus on the good that God is doing instead of all the bad this world has to offer.
Remember that the devil isn’t going to win. Christ rose from the dead.
No matter what happens tomorrow He is still alive and will always be there for us.
Find Hope In Christ
I believe we become depressed because we’re putting our hope in the wrong things.
We put our hope in politicians to fix the world. Economy to get better. This country to become better than it was before.
Those things will never satisfy our hope for Christ.
Political parties will change. The economy will never stay in the same spot and the world will continue to move at a rapid pace.
But Jesus is our constant hope.
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” John 14:1
Jesus knew his disciples were about to experience terrible things. He didn’t tell them not to worry because they weren’t going to go through anything bad.
He told them not to worry because HE was there.
We don’t have to know everything that’s happening in the world. We just have to know that Jesus is still alive and well today.
We don’t need to worry about tomorrow. Just live each day faithful to Christ.
You aren’t going to fix this world by yourself.
Bonus content for Paid Subscribers
The encouragement doesn’t end here. In the paid subscriber section, we’ll look at practical ways to move beyond simply talking about our hope in Christ and begin living it each day. You’ll find three simple practices to strengthen your faith, encouragement for weary hearts, and a prayer for the days ahead.
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One last thought.
We don’t need more Christians that are educated on what is happening in this world.
We need Christians that are being changed by Christ.
Helping others see that there is hope. That there is still mercy and forgiveness in this world.
Stay strong. Pray. Love others. Forgive others. Help others and most of all remember that Christ is our hope.
Even if the world is off balance Christ is our solid rock.
Share this post with someone who needs to hear that message today.
I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
What scripture or message from Christ has given you hope?
Grace and Peace
-Dan
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