Give Hope: A Little Light in Dark Times

We need to be talking hope; I can’t find much in the Houston Chronicle, USA Today, NY Times, or Google News that shimmers of hope. People are beaten down, scared, and desperate; worried about a future, family, jobs, college, housing, and just basic living necessities. Christians are to be the messengers of hope; especially the teachers, speakers, and preachers. We don’t need to give advice like the football coach once said, “Cheer up, ‘cause there’s no hope.” We have hope beyond this season. As Christians, we are going to win regardless of what happens on this side of eternity. We may lose everything in this life, but stand to gain everything on the other side.

I realize the post-evangelical would rather the church help people develop a theology for current day living rather than a theology which prepares people for death and eternity. I agree it is important to help people live on this side of heaven, but I believe we have an obligation to prepare people for eternity. And especially in today’s economy, when there appears such little hope. Shouldn’t we be showing people where they can find hope? Lasting and substantive hope it’s realized in government, elected leaders, money or stock markets, or even in the banks. There is only one place where our hope can reside unwaveringly and that is in Christ. The real hope, our only hope, is Christ. We must help people to constantly keep their eyes on Jesus and to never give up on this hope since He is our greatest hope.

My thoughts are drawn to the old hymn, The Solid Rock by Edward Mote. Just read the words and listen to the video. In Christ alone, He is my Rock. “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly trust in Jesus’ Name. On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand; all other ground is sinking sand.”

Have Hope! Have Jesus!