ODB: Finding Hope
November 25, 2011
Hope for the Christian is a certainty— because its basis is Christ.
READ: Psalm 42:1-11
Why are you cast down, O my soul? . . . Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him. —Psalm 42:5
A study conducted by researchers at the University of Minnesota found that almost 15 percent of American teenagers felt it was “highly likely” that they would die before their 35th birthday. Those with this pessimistic outlook were more likely to engage in reckless behavior. Dr. Iris Borowsky, author of the study published in Pediatrics magazine, said: “These youth may take risks because they feel hopeless and figure that not much is at stake.”
No one is immune to feelings of despair. The Psalms express repeated pleas for help when life seems dark. “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence” (Ps. 42:5 NASB). In a defiant step of faith, the psalmist tells himself not to forget about God, who will never forsake him.
Curtis Almquist has written: “Hope is fueled by the presence of God. . . . [It] is also fueled by the future of God in our lives.” We can say with the psalmist, “I shall yet praise Him” (v.5).
No follower of Christ should feel reluctant to seek counsel for depression. Nor should we feel that faith and prayer are too simplistic to help. There is always hope in God!
— David C. McCasland
Source: Our Daily Bread
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Is our generation really made up of the young and the hopeless? What are your thoughts? Share them here!
When I was a teenager, I was uncertain and afraid of my future. Not a bright child to start with and my papa was the sole bread-winner before my mum came out to work when their children were older. Back then, things also appeared bleak. I think my parents also were facing depression. Living standard then may not be high but expectations and demands in life were still real. Challenges and stress level are equally high.
Now, I am a father myself and have to meet the same set of demands and expectations from all sides. Yes, that includes my self-imposed standards.
Presently, on hindsight and having the privilege to see what transpired before me and through personal experiences, I am encouraging my youth not to leave God out of the picture. Besides, I challenged at least one of them to put his faith in God in his evaluation of this present day situation.
Since Christ is coming back soon, things will only get worse. Shouldn’t we need to encourage one another towards love and good deeds as taught in Hebrews 10:24-25?
Shouldn’t we persevere on in our faith and seek to know the Lord in a more intimate way? If tough times can bring people and family closer together, shouldn’t challenges and depressing time do likewise between us and God?
When trials seemingly become unbearable, may we remain steadfast in God as He grant us the strength.
Have faith in God! Express your faith in Him and let nothing moves you away from Him only draw close to Him for He promised to draw near. This is my comfort and my hope and strength.
Dear Heavenly Father, let the Christians, your people shine brightly as stars in the night this Christmas. As we remember and recall the hope you gave, enable us to share it with those in need of this Good News and may they too see you as their only true hope. In your Son’s Name. Amen.