A Reason to Hope

Christmas is over. Snow covers the ground. The weather has been bitter cold. All we have to look forward to is more of the same, for weeks on end.

Even worse, many of us are apprehensive about the upcoming presidential inauguration and the changes in our country that are sure to follow. It's hard to have a positive outlook when we're not sure that we can trust our new president to do what's right. It's no wonder that so many people around me seem to have lost their hope and joy.

I would like to suggest that we all need to reconsider the trust we place in our government and in our elected officials. Oh, I don't mean that they shouldn't be trustworthy, and that we shouldn't expect them to govern with integrity. In a perfect world, the people in charge of our nation would be fearless and faultless. But, I don't think I need to remind you that we live in a sinful world, filled with sinful people. History shows us that even the best presidents made mistakes.

Now, many people are expecting our president-elect to step up and change everything that's wrong with our country, while others are afraid of the harm he and his cronies might accomplish in a short time. A definite feeling of uneasiness permeates our land.

I think that many people have forgotten (if they ever really knew) that God is the only one who truly deserves our trust. He hasn't left our country. He hasn't left us! He is still here, and he knows what the future holds for us. In Deuteronomy 31:8, God's people needed to be reminded that "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” I think that all of us, here in America, need that reminder, too.

Perhaps you have heard the saying that goes, "Seven days without God makes one weak." I would like to carry that a step or two further, and say:

  • Starting my morning without God is like neglecting to take the hot morning shower that soothes my arthritis stiffness and pain.
  • A day without God is like staying in my dark basement all day long-- there is no sunshine in my life.
  • A day without God's Word is like skipping breakfast--and lunch, and supper. Lack of nourishment makes me feel faint and weary.
  • A day without prayer is like giving God the "silent treatment"--and then blaming him because he seems so far away.

If you are feeling hopeless or panicky this month, like so many are, I am convinced that God wants you to remember that he will be with you. Why don't you join me in spending more time with him? Read his Word, the Bible. Pray often every day. Pray for our government and, especially for our new president! Encourage one another. Worship together. Trust God, even if you feel like you can't trust the government.


God has never promised that he will solve all our problems and give us everything we want. Instead, he has assured us that he will be with us throughout our lifelong journey. He offers us hope, through Jesus, and peace that surpasses our understanding.

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 
2 Thessalonians 2: 16-17



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