Hope for Today

When the world is in turmoil, focus on Jesus and what He offers that the world can’t provide. We have listed some articles here to encourage you. As you look through them, consider how His Spirit is working, even in unprecedented times. 

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As I write this, the world just marked two years since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. In that span, our lives have been immeasurably altered by a silent, deadly force reaching every corner of the world. The sheer loss of life is enough to take your breath away.

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Even if you haven’t lost someone close to you, chances are you know someone who has. Others are dealing with long-term side effects of the virus. Countless more have lost jobs. Schools and businesses closed. Parents found themselves juggling work while caring for preschoolers and supervising older kids’ online education. We’ve all had to adapt to wearing masks, staying “socially distant,” and being hypervigilant for symptoms in case we need to self-quarantine.

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I was recently prompted to look for silver linings in the changes I’ve experienced over the years. Being forced to stop my busyness and stay home for an extended period has given me a new perspective on life. Material things became less significant as I realized how vital human connections are. I’m thankful for technology that helps us maintain those connections, attend church remotely (anywhere in the world!), take part in unique learning opportunities online, and order groceries for curbside pickup. I’m grateful for neighbors who check in on each other and make sure they have everything they need.

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As Christians, we should not be unfamiliar with attacks by unseen forces. The apostle Paul exhorts us to be prepared, “for we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12, NLT).

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Yet, we are not without hope. God provides us with all the protection we need. Paul reminds us to “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Eph. 6:10, NLT) and put on the armor of God: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of scripture. In addition, Paul writes, “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in prayer” (Eph. 6:18, NLT).

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In her book The Armor of God, Priscilla Shirer writes: “Prayer is the divinely authorized mechanism God has given us to tap into His power.” In uncertain times like these, we have a direct line to the power of God. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take precautions and follow prevailing medical advice, but we must also remember that Christ triumphed over those unseen “rulers and authorities,” disarming them of the power to defeat us (Col. 2:15, ESV)!

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When the world is in turmoil, focus on Jesus and what He offers that the world can’t provide. We are never without hope!