Hope In Crisis: Where Do We Turn?

Where do we run when crisis strikes? Do we stock up on bottled water and toilet paper? Do we seek horoscopes or advice columns? Right now the world is in crisis. Whether we believe the cause is real or imagined does not matter. The events transpiring at this moment will affect the future for all of us. Whether we are afraid of getting sick, afraid of what this panic will do to the economy, or just annoyed by the mass hysteria, we all have a choice. Where will we turn for truth, help and hope?

1 Peter 1:3 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Lamentations 3:24 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I have hope in Him.”

Psalm 71:5 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

For You are my hope;
O Lord God, You are my confidence from my youth.

Psalm 39:7 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

And now, Lord, for what do I wait?
My hope is in You.

Jeremiah 14:22 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Are there any among the idols of the nations who give rain?
Or can the heavens grant showers?
Is it not You, O Lord our God?
Therefore we hope in You,
For You are the one who has done all these things.

Psalm 121:1-3 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
From where shall my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to slip;
He who keeps you will not slumber.

God is the One in whom we should hope. This life is not all there is, it is not the end. When taunted by fear and even death, we need to remember that Jesus defeated death. He rose from the grave and lives forever in heaven where we will meet Him when we leave this earth. No matter how we leave here, that is the promise for those who have faith in Him. God is stronger than disease, politics, stock markets, and economies. He has a plan in all this, which will work out for our good if we will trust in Him. That does not mean life will be easy and we will never get sick. The point is that God can see the big picture and what is best for all of us at once. So some of us may get sick, some may die (we all will some day), some will be persecuted and even martyred. Instead of trusting in circumstances, we need to trust in the One who is mightier than our circumstances, the One who knows what the future holds because we know that whatever happens to us is what is best for our good and His glory. If we trust in Him, then our peace will be unshakeable, our joy unquenchable, our love unstoppable.

2 Timothy 1:7 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

The word timidity can also be translated fear. We don’t need to fear. We don’t need to panic, and we don’t need to criticize what others do. Fear, panic, and criticism are not of God so don’t give in to them. All we need to do is trust God and do what is right.

What do you run to in trouble? What is your foundation? Are you trusting in the One who knows and sees all?

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 New American Standard Bible (NASB)