Our hope in dark times

Nation will be raised up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

There will be violent earthquakes, and famines and plagues in various places, and there will be terrifying sights and great signs from heaven…

Then there will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and there will be anguish on the earth among nations bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the waves.

People will faint from fear and expectation of the things that are coming on the world, because the powers of the heavens will be shaken. (Luke 21:10-11, 25-26)

It’s hard to read the news and not think of Jesus’ words. Lots of people are living with anxiety and fear because of all that’s going on in the world.

But we have a hope!

Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. (27)

Not everyone will welcome Jesus’ return. But we who love him do. He is our hope in these dark times. And though this world will pass away, his words, his promises to us won’t. (33)

So,

…when these things begin to take place, stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is near. (28)

But at the same time, let us guard our hearts. As Jesus said,

Be on your guard, so that your minds are not dulled from carousing, drunkenness, and worries of life, or that day will come on you unexpectedly like a trap.

For it will come on all who live on the face of the whole earth. (34-35)

Instead,

…be alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man. (36)

All of us are weak. And without Christ, we can easily fall. But as Isaiah said,

The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the whole earth.

He never becomes faint or weary;
there is no limit to his understanding.

He gives strength to the faint
and strengthens the powerless.

Youths may become faint and weary,
and young men stumble and fall,
but those who trust in the LORD
will renew their strength;

they will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not become weary,
they will walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)