When the World Feels Hopeless, I Remember This

When we hear about things happening around the world, in our country, or even in our own hometowns, it can leave us feeling weary. Between the natural disasters, the violence and division, the severe illnesses, and all the other negative things going on around us, we can be tempted to lose all hope. As Christians, however, it’s as important as ever that we don’t forget where our true hope lies.

The weight of this world can become all-consuming and feel like too much to bear. While we should have compassion and care for those affected by tragic events, the emotional burden of all the tragedy and darkness in the world is not something we were meant to carry.

How do we not let the broken state of our world cause us to lose all hope? What truths can we fill our hearts with as we bring our fears to Jesus?

God’s Word is the Source of Truth and Strength

The word “true” has become rather relative these days, where everyone has their own version of the “truth”. It can be hard to decipher which way is up or down, much less what is right or wrong. Thankfully, we have a resource we can fully rely on to tell us the truth.

God’s Word is the best place we can turn when our hearts are troubled. Meditate on the truth of these Scriptures, write them down, and recite them to yourself until they fully sink in and your heart believes them.

This World is Not Our Forever Home

If this world were all there was, our outlook would be gloomy. Thankfully, the promise of Heaven stands true. When the troubles of this life overwhelm us, we can fix our eyes on eternity, knowing that the day is ahead when we will no longer live in fear and suffering.

“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 4:18, ESV).

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4, ESV).

Our Hope is Unchanging

In a world that seems to be ever-changing, full of new worries every day, our hope remains steadfast. It’s not reliant on circumstances around us, but on the Word of God, which holds firm when everything else around us is shaking.

“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken” (Psalm 62:5-6, ESV).

“We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain” (Hebrews 6:19, ESV).

We Do Not Walk Alone

Even when we know the truth that God is in control and that Heaven awaits us someday, the present can be terrifying.

We are still a part of this world and experience real hardships. Our hearts genuinely break. Fear and sadness can overcome us. It’s in these times that we remember we’re not left to deal with our feelings alone.

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:8, ESV).

“from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (Psalm 61:2, ESV).

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18, ESV).

We Are Not Hopeless or Helpless

When the world feels dark and scary, it can leave us feeling helpless and frozen in fear. In a time when every negative thing that’s going on is thrown in your face, it can be overwhelming and make you feel as if you have to address it all.

Surrender

Since we can’t bring peace and justice single-handedly, we often end up doing nothing, except worrying and feeling guilty for not being able to heal our broken world. Jesus wants more for us than that. We cannot solve all the issues around us; only He can.

Surrender the fears and anxieties that consume you to Him. Pray for the world around you, and those who are hurting, and lay at Jesus’ feet the things that are beyond your control.

Seek and Serve

We shouldn’t let the feeling of helplessness be an excuse to sit idle; instead, we should look for ways to serve and encourage others around us daily. We should seek God’s wisdom on how to be His hands and feet to the world.

With our human limitations, we can’t do everything, but that doesn’t mean we should do nothing.

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:10-11, ESV).