The world is a crazy place right now.
There are people rioting and looting in London, showing that when given the right opportunity human beings, even the "civilized" can be intensely insubordinate and cruel.
Following the stock market is like being on a brutal roller coaster ride. Following the National debt is so mind boggling it makes mathematicians shake their heads. Financial instability is causing people to be in great fear for their future.
People are hurting because people hurt one another, betray one another, and fail to keep their promises.
Things that we thought were stable have turned out to not be so stable. People we trusted turned out to be untrustworthy.
What do we do?
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23)
How can I know that my hope is really in Christ? Ask the following questions of yourself.
1. How do I respond when I am falsely accused, misunderstood or betrayed?
"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly." (1 Peter 2:21-23)
2. When I am offended by others am I quick to forgive?
"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." (Colossians 3:13)
3. Is my hope in money? My job? My 401K?
"No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." Luke 16:13
"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:5-6)
"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." (1 Timothy 6:17-19)
4. Is my hope in people, family, a good marriage, my kids? Is my hope truly in God alone?
"For if my father and mother should abandon me, you would welcome and comfort me." Psalm 27:10 TLB
I pray for us that..."the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)
