We have an alarming endemic of hopelessness in our nation and culture; teen suicide is increasing at explosive rates. Even in positive economic times individuals are shaken with insecurity. Eventually, one discovers that hope is not found in the trinkets and toys of possessions;  it is not discovered in economic gain; it is not discovered in the lusts of the flesh that glitter like fools gold. 

Instead, true hope leaps from a heart that has discovered a loving surrender to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  Jesus gives hope. That’s it—plain and simple.  Do problems cease when one gives his or her life to Jesus?  NO. On the contrary, rather than protection from problems, what one gains is a Loving Savior who walks THROUGH problems with you.  

At times the song ceases for a Christian as much as with those who do not believe.  The temptation is to yield to despair when bad news, tragedy, and turmoil come. But there remains within the heart a determination, a passion to continue somehow-- to move forward. That desire to continue is a God-ordained subjective passionate purpose that He places within the heart of His sons and daughters. Sometimes we want to cry out “I give up…” but eventually despair gives way to a longing for His presence and desire to both please Him and experience His purpose. We’re real people who crave happiness or at least the deeper sense of joy. But even when joy is fleeting, we can remember that God is still God and still there. The Old Testament Prophet wrote,

Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NKJV)  

Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls—18Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 19The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.

Has your passionate purpose waned?  Ask Jesus for sincere help to continue; for His grace to renew you.  Have you not surrendered to Him?  I urge you to do so today. Recognize that He loves you and has good in mind for you; recognize that you are a sinner who needs Him. Only Jesus can forgive you and free you from sin. The Bible says “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.”  It goes on to say, “The wages of sin is death.”  Jesus took that death so you don’t have to.  Ask Him to come into your heart and be Lord and Savior of your life. Then a new life begins.

Your problems may never disappear; joy won’t always be your portion. But God will still be with you and eventually bring you to Himself.  Indeed, let’s celebrate Jesus as our Hope.