“I Am the Light of the World” – Jesus

When Hope is Lost

Have you ever felt like everything is crumbling around you? When hard times come, it’s surprising how quickly our plans are disrupted. In the blink of an eye, we can find ourselves with failing health, depleted resources, or shattered hopes and dreams. When the future is dark and unknown – when all earthly hopes are fading – that is the perfect time to look up! “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord” (Jeremiah 17:7).

Hope Cannot Outlive its Source

Do you want hope that never fades? Then you need to find your hope in a source which never fails. As long as we look to temporary things for our satisfaction and joy, our hope will always be fleeting and fragile. But when we anchor our hope in God, it will remain eternal and strong, because He is the same “yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

Our Greatest Need

What is the one thing we need more than anything else? God, who designed us, breathed life into us, and knows all about us has declared that our greatest need is a changed heart. Even though our first parents (Adam and Eve) were created in innocence, they chose to disobey God and sinned against Him. Every new generation has inherited their fallen nature and followed their rebellious example. Because of this, we find ourselves spiritually “dead in trespasses and sins… having no hope and without God” (Ephesians 2:1,12).

We Can Have Lasting Hope

For hope to be renewed, our relationship with God must be restored. Somehow, the defilement of sin must be washed away, and our deceitful hearts must be made new. People have many ideas about how this can be done, but God has already provided the only way. Jesus said, “l am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).

When Jesus died on the cross, He laid down His life as a sacrifice for our sin. He suffered the wrath of God in our place, and shed His blood so we can be cleansed and forgiven. He then rose from the dead, signifying that God accepted His sacrifice, and proving that sin and death have been defeated!

To have the sure hope of eternal life, we must put our complete trust in what Jesus has done. We cannot “earn” our way back to Him with good works. Only a perfect righteousness – that of Jesus – is enough. When we put our trust in Jesus Christ, God forgives our sins and covers us in the righteousness of Jesus. We receive God’s salvation as a gift of His grace.

Will God Make Everything Perfect?

Those who trust in Jesus Christ are promised an eternal paradise which exceeds anything we can possibly imagine (1 Corinthians 2:9). In that day, “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain” (Revelation 21:4).

Until then, believers are assured that God is always with them in every difficulty. He has promised, “l will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). This gives God’s children the confidence to say, “The Lord is my helper” (Hebrews 13:6). If we start to feel overwhelmed by life’s ups and downs, it is good to remember that we can trust the almighty God in every circumstance. Peace comes from “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

Find Your Hope in Jesus

If you realize that you need the hope that only God can provide and are ready to turn to God in repentance, what is stopping you from admitting your sin to God, and asking Him to save you? Right now, right where you are, you can talk to Him in your own words, expressing to Him your need and desire for His free gift of salvation. There is forgiveness and hope in Jesus Christ! “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).