We hear about tragedies every day. They occur so often that we can easily become desensitized by them, unless they impact us directly.
On Mother’s Day, there was a six-car pile-up on Highway 75 near Chattanooga, but it didn’t become real until a friend showed me a picture of one of the families horrifically impacted by this accident—the Smiths.
The young father had been killed at the scene along with another victim. The daughter is recovering slowly in the burn unit, and the little boy (only 22 months old) needed a miracle if he was to survive.
I’m sure hundreds of faithful prayer warriors asked God for that miracle—me included. But God had other plans. Sawyer Smith’s young life ended before it began because the driver of a semi-truck lost control. This man has been arrested and is facing vehicular homicide charges.
I was still reeling from this news when a gas station clerk (known by customers as Prince) was senselessly shot and killed during a robbery in our small community. Video footage showed that Prince gave the robber what he asked for, and yet the man shot him anyway. Not once, but three times. Prince leaves behind a wife and young child.
Until we have an up-close and personal view of the darkness in this world, it’s easy to forget that we have no control. In the blink of an eye, lives change. A difficult diagnosis, the death of a loved one, or financial hardship. Each instance chips at the hope we cling to.
How should we respond?
Last Wednesday, I went to church with a heavy heart. Chris and I work with a group of children from second to sixth grade, and we always start our class with a time of prayer. Each child takes a turn lifting their requests to the Lord.
With every thankful petition, my heart grew lighter. Prayers for “Mr. Prince’s family” and the Smith family. Prayers for the homeless and heartbroken. Praise for the meal we were served and prayers for the hands that prepared it. Gratitude for the time they had with us on Wednesday nights and prayers for a safe summer break.
Darkness may abound, and God may not give us the miracles we beg for, but we will see the light of Jesus if we take the time to look.
To cultivate hope, we need to start with prayer. There is a reason the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
In preparation for this post, I researched what most people pray for. I came across an article, “20 Things You Should Pray for Today.” It didn’t tell me what people pray for, but rather what we should pray for. Everything from salvation and forgiveness to God’s perspective.
It wasn’t the information I was looking for, but it was the information I needed. A reminder that when we’re walking with the Lord and His righteousness, we will find comfort in knowing that He’s sovereign over everything. Our relationships, health and wealth (or lack of it), and every minute detail of this life on earth—and beyond.
Another avenue to cultivate hope is to seek ways to serve others. When we are focused on our needs, we can become very self-centered. That’s a path to dissatisfaction and anxiety. Instead, bless others, and you will be blessed in the process.
Not sure where to start? You need look no further than your church. It’s said that only 20% of the members of a church do 80% of the work. Get plugged in somewhere.
Find a purpose. We all have gifts the Lord has given us, and they’re meant to be used for our good and His glory. What is yours? How can you use them to help advance the kingdom, or at least your small part of it?
Years ago, I was frustrated by my very slow and laborious writing journey. I was having a private pity party, grumbling to the Lord about why I should quit. I kid you not, five minutes later, I opened up my Bible and was drawn to the parable of the talents in Matthew 25. A good reminder that God expects us to use what He gives us and not hide it away (or disregard it) out of fear of failure.
This is a big one. Spend time in the Word. I follow a daily reading plan, but I often go to the Psalms when I need a reminder of God’s glory. King David may have penned a lot of laments in his day, but he always landed on the side of praise.
When we’re reminded through scripture of how big, merciful, loving, and gracious our God is, our hope should be renewed.
And last, maintain an eternal perspective. This is not our home. The Lord created us to be ambassadors for Christ here on earth. But it’s a temporary position. No matter how dark it gets here, we are destined to live eternally in the presence of Jesus.
I try (and fail) to imagine what heaven will be like. When I step outside, I take in the beauty that surrounds me. This time of year is especially glorious—trees thick with shades of green foliage, birds filling the quiet with their songs, and the scent of wild forsythia blooming. And yet, it will pale in comparison to heaven, which is where our hope lies.
