What a wild ride 2020 was. It was tough and hard and not a pleasant in a lot of ways. Never in a million years did I think I would ever live through a pandemic. One that is still going on and will for who knows how long.
As 2020 came to a close, I heard so many people saying that we just needed to make it to 2021 and everything would be alright. It seemed to be a mind set that 2021 would fix all of the world’s problems and we would be free from this pandemic. Yet, it’s 2021 and the pandemic is still.
I feel that in a lot of ways, 2020 sucked the hope out of all of us in one way or another. We kept hoping that the pandemic would be gone and life would get back to normal around May or June. The same thought came around September but as each month passed and the pandemic still continued, and people still lost jobs, had to work from home or were quarantined, life seemed like it would never return to normal. It still doesn’t in a lot of ways.
While some put their hope in the pandemic ending quickly, others put their hope in the Presidential Election for they believed that a change in government would bring about the hope and the peace that everyone is seeking. So many have placed their faith in the government, expecting to be saved from their financial situation or the pandemic.
Then, on January 6th 2021, ciaos broke out at the Capitol. That was a sight I never though I would have seen. So many people, so angry, causing destruction in our nation’s Capitol. I watched the news, just like most people I am sure that day in disbelief. As I watched, my heart broke for our nation. For everyone involved at the Capitol that day. Our nation is so angry and distrusting of anyone who does not agree with them. My heart broke because these people had placed their hope for a better life in President Trump being reelected. Much like other people had placed their hope in President-Elect Biden being elected.
However, their hope is misplaced.
The government is formed of men and women who are human and sinful, just like the rest of us. As humans, we are not able to save ourselves. President Trump and President-Elect Biden are both only human and being human, they will let people down. They will disappoint people in what they do or not do and they will fall short of the Glory of God.
“23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Romans 3:23
This is not to say that our situation is hopeless. No matter what you situation, there is always hope. Our hope is Jesus Christ.
In times of trouble and when all seems to be lost, we should turn our eyes, our hope to God. So many times, David cried out to God because he was being chased by Saul who wanted him dead. Instead of completely giving up hope, he called on God for strength.
“In my distress I called upon the Lord,
Yes, I cried to my God;
And from His temple He heard my voice,
And my cry for help came into His ears”
2 Samuel22:7 Source: https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Face-Of-God
David knew where his strength came from. He knew it did not come from himself but rather from the God that loved him and protected him against his enemies. When things went wrong, he called on God for help. He placed his hope in God, even though he could not see Him.
Much like David, we are called to do the same. We should be placing our faith in a God who loves us and wants to have a relationship with us rather than fellow men who are sinners, just like you and me.
Hope is defined as “a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.” or “a feeling of trust.” When our hope is misplaced, we are often let down and disappointed. However, God will never let you down. He will always be there and walking with your and working in your life. When your trust, your hope is placed in Christ, you can not go wrong.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15:13
Does this mean that as Christians, we should not listen to what the government tells us or obey the laws? No, not at all. Christ even stated, ‘“Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 22 When they heard it, they marveled. And they left him and went away.”– Matthew 22:21-22.
We find in Romans 13:1, Paul speaks on government authority as well.
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
Romans 13:1
So God has placed people in authority, for whatever reason and because of that, we are to follow the law. The exception is if the government is going against the law of God. However, following the law of man does not mean that is where my hope is.
My hope for a better tomorrow, for a better life, for things to be better in 2021, is in Jesus. He is the only one who can heal our world of this Pandemic, either by supernatural means or medical means. He is the only one who can heal our country and the hearts of all Americans of this anger and distrust. He is the one who can save. If only you believe.
Do you believe?
I pray that you do.
If you don’t, I pray someone in your life will speak the Truth and share Christ with you. He loves you and died for you so that you would not have to. So that you could have everlasting life with Him.
Will you trust him?
Will you put your Hope in Him?
I pray the God of Hope gives you joy and peace that can only come from Him.
Until Next time,
God Bless.