I discovered a startling piece of information not long ago that indicates that 82% of the inhabitants of earth have lost hope. I thought that might be an exaggeration until I did a little research and discovered the following statistics, much of it concerning our own piece of real estate right here in the good old USA:
- Divorce rate 51% – (41% for first – 60% for second)
- 83% of citizens disapprove of congress
- 1 in 3 kids are not graduating from high school- an all time high
- 1 in 200 people used an emergency homeless shelter in 2010
- Home prices at the lowest point in decades
- Economy is riddled with $16 trillion in debt and climbing
- The cost of living is soaring
- Long term unemployment (6mo’s or more) is six million – highest since 1948
- 20 million total unemployed counting those who have stopped looking
- Illegal drug use is up over 500% from ten years ago – 10% of our populations is addicted
- There is at least one severe alcoholic in 43% of the families in the U.S.
- Every 18 minutes another life is lost to suicide – 11th leading cause of death of Americans
- Violent crime is rampant – 800,000 gang members, 15,747 drug related murders in Mexico last year
- Middle East is exploding, Afghanistan, Egypt, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Jordan, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Africa, Turkey, are all in chaos
- Terrorism threats occur every day
- Most of Europe is on the verge of economic collapse
- The fastest growing economy in the world is communist China
- The United States has a Socialist narcissist anti-Christ leaning President promoting class warfare at every opportunity
So in light of the foregoing it’s easy to see how someone might have given up hope.
Well count me in the 18% that still has hope in spite of all of the foregoing. I obtain my hope by studying the Bible and relying on my God who has assured me that the very hairs on my head are numbered and that He will protect me for now and throughout eternity, and that this entire scenario has a VERY happy ending.
I believe that the problem is that too many people are looking in the wrong places for their hope. It seems that the entire world is chasing the things in life that will be gone and forgotten as soon as they close their eyes for the last time. We live in an age of materialism where everyone wants to pursue the almighty dollar and what it can buy, and/or the love, admiration, adoration, fame, power, and glory of a society where there are no taboos.
I’ve gone down quite a few of those roads myself in search of finding my peace. I found that:
- It isn’t in a needle or pill bottle
- You cannot put something up your nose and discover it
- Drink it from a bottle
- Find it in a bedroom
- It’s not in a bank account
- It’s not in a private jet, boat, car, diamonds or a grand home
- Charismatic politicians or government can’t provide it for us
- Nor can family or friends
The Bible states that hope can be found exclusively in God.
Romans 15:13 “May 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.”
In this life you will not be free from trials and tribulations. Indeed the Bible states that our days will be short and full of trouble. You will face tragedy, anguish, and grief; however you can endure it in good fashion, AND know peace, joy, and love through the hope of Jesus Christ.
Keep in mind that it’s not enough to simply say that you believe that Jesus Christ is who the Bible says He is; even the demons of hell hear His Holy name and tremble. We are told that we must clothe ourselves each day with the full armor of God and draw close to Him through:
- Prayer
- Daily Bible study
- Fellowship with other Christians
- Faith
- Righteous living
Ladies and gentlemen the cup remains half full. As we enter these last incredibly difficult, stress filled days it presents an awesome opportunity for revival. Famed evangelist David Wilkerson who wrote “The Cross and the Switchblade” said that “True passion for Christ is borne out of a baptism of anguish”. The statistics above indicate that many have already waded waist deep into that baptismal. What an opportunity to witness to all those people who are currently immersed in anguish. They yearn for the good news of Christ who offers the hope of peace, joy, and love that are only available through Him.
Think about it… Selah… Millions have sunken so low that the only direction they now have to look for hope is up. More are receptive to seeking our true Savior and are finally ready to listen to someone other than Obama than they have ever been. Teach others to look up towards heaven and the warmth and love of our God who has said that all they need to do is turn to Him. It is an awesome opportunity for revival and evangelism. It’s like knowing where to dig for gold…
Rev. 3:20
“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”