Do Not Lose Heart

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Our church Vision Statement reads, “.... restoring hope to our families, neighbors, and community. We live in a world where many people hurting. The mass shootings in Maine on Wednesday was just another example of the senseless violence in our nation and the hurt, suffering, and grief that it causes.

Still, in the midst of suffering we must never lose hope. It reminded me of the story in John 9 where Jesus heals a man who was blind since birth. Jesus mixed his own saliva with some dirt, spread the muddy mixture on the man’s eyes, and told him to go and wash in a pool—and the man received sight. For his entire life, this man had seen nothing but darkness, but Jesus gifted him with seeing eyes after proclaiming, “I am the light of the world”

The apostle Paul advises God’s people not to lose heart when the troubles of this life dim our outlook on the future. When we are discouraged by the sin and injustice of the world, a broken relationship, a tough situation at work, a grim financial outlook, a health crisis, and more, it can feel like we are living in darkness. How will this ever be resolved?

It’s all about perspective and what we focus on. We can sit around with mud on our eyes, or we can wash it off and see the light of Jesus. Paul says the problems we see are temporary, but the hope we have in Jesus—though unseen—is eternal.

Our bodies were not created to last forever, but as Christians, we share a bright future in Jesus Christ, the light of the world.

Thought For Today: In the midst of the trials of life, do you feel that you are living in darkness? Be reminded today that our hope is in Jesus, the light of the world. May the light of Jesus shine bright today and turn your darkness to light.

Today’s Prayer Focus: In a world of spiritual darkness and people living through the darkness of death, depression, discouragement and destruction, pray that the light of Jesus will shine brightly and bring hope. Deo Volente.