There is hope
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Editor,
As We the People face the New Year, we’re confronted with the certain possibility of radicalized ISIS killers completing their warfare suicide tactics in our public places; the blatant and often drug-related civil disobedience as citizens defy police orders; the immoral quagmire of the slaughter continuing in abortion clinics in the name of “women’s health”; a presidential election with mud-slinging, name calling, vicious accusations and voter fraud; our national debt totally out of control, all hurtling America towards financial chaos. 2016 may be a horrendous year in America.
On the other hand, the God of the Holy Book offers everyone an alternative to fear and despair. He is “the God of hope.” Romans 15:13 is a preacher’s prayer for his congregants: “now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope.”
Right after 9/11, churches experienced a quick surge in attendance as people sought hope during a frightening national disaster. Many churches, not all, offered the people the hope declared in Romans 15:13. Lamentably, most of those involved in the surge quickly forgot their fear and returned to their old ways of trusting in themselves.
The real solution to the uncertainty and hopelessness of the future is to embrace the truth found in the text. Believing what? The previous line in the text is quite clear, “In Him (Christ) shall the Gentiles hope.” This “believing” is a total trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as the only one who has the wisdom and power to transform individual lives and our national character.
In Jesus there is the joy of the forgiveness of sin; in Him alone is the peace of a confident standing before our heavenly Judge; it is in Jesus that there is a solid and sure hope of a heavenly destiny. With joy, peace and hope, we can face the year before us.
Harvey A. Town
Polson
