By: Pastor Jarren Rogers

“What is there, what can there be, to make life worthwhile, apart from the Christian Hope?” – Henry H. Halley

When looking at the world today, it’s easy to lose hope . . .

Just turn on the news, flip through the newspaper, or scroll through social media and you are bombarded with impossible situations, tragic events, and hurting people. But it’s more than the state of the national news. It also can hit us on a personal level.

Good people we know die for seemingly no reason. Our loved ones get sick. Innocent children get hurt. We work hard and we may see nothing in return. We follow God and all we get is heartache. What hope do we have in this desolate, depressing, fallen world?

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).

For those of us who have lost all hope. For those of us who can’t seem to find any good in the world. For those of us who are despaired by what we see around us. For those of us who are discouraged by our circumstances. For those of us dejected by our situation. Take heart!

We have more than simply a glimmer of hope. We have a LIVING hope. Jesus Christ is actively overseeing, interceding, and working in the world today. Even though it may seem otherwise, God is still in control!

While it can be easy to place our hope in that which will always fall short – our job, finances, spouse, family – we have the choice to place our hope in Christ who is a living and at work constantly, not only in our lives but creation as a whole.

“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:15-17).

So, place your hope in the living Christ. Through Him all things were created – your family, your home, your job, your spouse, your world. He is before all things and in Him all things are held together.

Is there a better place to put your hope?

Parents: Read your children this verse from Colossians. Have a conversation about tempting places we can put our hope. Explain that lasting hope comes from placing our hope in the living Christ.