It can be difficult to remember the security of our eternity when we are facing the ugly realities of a sinful and fallen world. In a time when human life is devalued, when virtue is weakened or even shamed, and when our God is continually shoved out of a culture that constantly claims to esteem love above everything else, it is tempting for God’s people to fall into discouragement and even despair.
We are feeling the pains the world felt during the 400 years between the Old and New Testaments when God’s guiding voice seemed silent. We’re seeing the foundations of our nation’s spiritual heritage broken down and threatened. How are we to cope without shrinking away into our faith with fear?
Here are three exhortations that I pray will keep you grounded, joyful and hopeful in a quickly-dimming world.
First of all, we must not dismay. This means we should not sink into hopelessness and stagnancy as a result of challenges to our faith. Dismay gives the powers of darkness an easier job. Do not relent! Take the challenge as a sacred calling, and be fueled with the joy of the Lord, which will be your strength.
In fact, we must remember the overwhelming joy that the birth of Christ brought to earth. Recall what the angel told the frightened shepherds that very night: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). Note, “all the people.” It is not only our blessing and privilege to be recipients of this joy, but to also be joy-bringers and heralds of hope to others, just as the angel that blessed night proclaimed.
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Source: Christian Post
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