Where’s Your Hope?

There are a lot of crazy things happening in the world right now. A huge winter storm has blasted across the US, leaving people without power, attempting to navigate icy/snowy roads, and stranded in airports. I’m on my second day of having to work from home because of the conditions here in Dallas, and I know that it is a lot worse as one goes northeast.

Since I have been stuck at home I have also had lots of time to watch the news. As I write this there are reports coming out of Egypt about violence that continues to erupt as protesters clash with pro-Mubarak supporters. The whole Middle East seems to be unstable as other governments are having issues and protesters are getting ideas from what’s happening in Egypt. I heard one commentator yesterday talking about the growth of Islam, particularly radical Islam, and the goal of groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood of taking over and forming a one-world government based on Islam. If Egypt falls to the leadership of this radical Muslim group, it is possible that the countries around Egypt could quickly fall like dominoes as well.

There are a lot of questions coming out of the situation with Egypt and many, many unknowns. It’s enough to get us in a panic, filled with worry and fear.

Yet, as believers, we know the ultimate victory is ours, and that God is in control. When everything else seems to be falling apart in the world as we know it, we can find great comfort and strength in knowing that God sees the big picture and He holds the world in His hand. We have the opportunity to share that hope with those who are paralyzed by fear, or hopeless in whatever situation they might be finding themselves. Here are a few verses that offer great hope for us:

Psalm 5:11-12 But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

Psalm 46:1, 10 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.