The world will continue to be in tumult, unrest, and chaos, but God’s children are called to hope in the midst of the darkness.
But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 1 Thessalonians 5:8
As God’s children, we have been quipped to be overcomers in a world that seems hopeless and dark. The above scripture gives us insight into how can be overcomers. First, we need to remind ourselves that we have the hope of salvation and eternal life. We belong to the Lord and have a place in His kingdom. Things may not look pretty on this earth, but we are sojourners going through this life looking unto Jesus that some day He will come back for His bride. In the meantime, we are commissioned to represent Him well and disciple people to receive Jesus and enter the Kingdom of God.
Second, we need to remain sober and alert. If we allow ourselves to get distracted or fight every battle that comes our way, we will lose spiritual ground. The scripture tells us that in the last days offenses will increase. If we choose to take the bait and get offended, then we will get in the flesh and try to protect and defend ourselves through carnal means. We need to prepare ourselves for increased offenses and not take it personally. We have to make a decision to remain sober and not allow ourselves to get disoriented by the way others behave.
Third, the faith and the love that God has deposited in our lives, is a protection of our hearts. It is our breastplate. In times of difficulties and rejection, we need to press into the reality that we are God’s much loved child. Therefore, as we remain sober and rely on the love of God, it protects and strengthens us. Instead of getting angry at people and seeing them as the problem, we develop compassion for their state of confusion. We need to pray for people and look for opportunities to be kind to them, so we can win them to Christ. The world needs our light right now in its hopeless state.
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance. Psalm 42:5
The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, In those who hope in His mercy. Psalm 147:11
O Israel, hope in the Lord; For with the Lord there is mercy, And with Him is abundant redemption. Psalm 130:7
As we go through life, many believers will be subject to times of loneliness and disappointments. This is the time that we press in by worshipping God and magnifying His Lordship over our lives. The Holy Spirit brings comfort, encouragement, peace, and hope in our lives, and it is supernatural work of God!
My father has been a widower for decades, and he has lived alone all those years. He doesn’t live locally, so I visit him every few weeks. It is amazing to me how this man has kept the faith and hope in his heart and rarely have I seen him discouraged. It is a testimony to God’s faithfulness. The Lord has put hope in his heart that has sustained him all these years. He has also been a man who has seen many difficulties in life, so all those life experiences have forged perseverance and character leading to having hope in his life.
Have you been feeling hopeless or depressed lately? Meditate on the scriptures I have shared in this series and allow God to breath hope in your heart and refresh your spirit! Also talk to a Godly person or a counselor and allow others speak words of life and encouragement to you.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay