The presenter shares the statistics, grim and unwelcoming. They point to anxiety as one of the most threatening mental health issues young people face. The walls of the room press close with her next words.

Scientists predict a mental health crisis to impact the next six generations.

Others discuss the value of relationships, safety, and buffering as key components of resilience–and they are–but not one person whisper the name Jesus. Not the speaker. Not the expert. Not even the pastor in attendance.

Where is the hope for the future?

 

What Does the Bible Tell Us About Hope?

We can choose hope when Christ is our savior. Click To Tweet

We can choose hope when Christ is our Savior. Social isolation. Anxiety. Political drama. Economic collapse. Poverty. None of these can separate us from Him–He is our Living Hope.

1 Peter 1:3-5 (NIV) reads, Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.

Hope did not remain in the tomb. He rose up, walked forth, and waits for us in heaven. Click To Tweet

Hope did not remain in the tomb. He rose up, walked forth, and waits for us in heaven. Our hope is in Jesus Christ and that hope, Life, has been transferred to us as those who have faith in Him.

Because our daily and future hope has its foundation upon the risen Lord, the apostle Paul reminds us that “hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”. (Romans 5:5 NIV)

The Greek word kataischuno translated shame can also be rendered deceived. Friend, your faith in Jesus is not deceit. The Holy Spirit is the down payment (Ephesians 1:14) of the glory that awaits us.

We are the hope-bearers in a world begging for Life and the seasons grow short. How? A living faith mimics life. It breathes in and expels, reproduces, and nurtures. Click To Tweet

3 Keys to Living a Hope-Filled Life

We are the hope-bearers in a world begging for Life and the seasons grow short. How? A living faith mimics life. It breathes in and expels, reproduces, and nurtures.

• Breathe in and expel God. If I’m not soaking in the word and worship, I won’t be equipped to minister to or love others well. My thoughts, speech, and actions will not reflect Him.

But I am called to “sanctify the Lord God in your hearts.” Focus on God and others and “always            be ready to give an answer to every man who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you,            with gentleness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15 MEV).

• Focus on replicating faith in others. Unless I share my faith with others, offer a word of encouragement, or let them know I am praying, how will they know I am follower of the One who offers hope and life?

A smile and a “God bless you”, an invitation to church, or a Bible study with lonely young                   mothers–even via Zoom–might change a person’s eternal destiny.

• Pray, follow up, and listen. The statistics I mentioned at the beginning of this post make it clear that people need prayer. They need nurturing. They need me and you to take an interest. To intercede in their lives before the next generation is lost to anxiety and depression. Before the Enemy convinces them there is no Hope.

 

Oh, friend, hope is alive and His name is Jesus Christ. He will bring us through every hard thing and gather us to Himself. Our future has been secured from eternity past.

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Peace and grace,

Tammy

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