In 2018, 70.8 million people were displaced by conflicts and violence worldwide, according to the UN Refugee Agency, up from a record 38 million in 2014. Despair has driven many to risk dangerous and life-threatening journeys just to find some type of relief. This is Satan’s world, and he is the author of confusion, depression, and negativity.
But our Creator, the One True God, is positive! Depression is like a two-sided coin, so let’s flip it over and look at the other side, the coin of hope.
First of all, we have hope because we know God’s plan of salvation! With confidence and assurance, it propels us forward into the unknowns of tomorrow, anticipating that all things will eventually work out for good (Romans 8:28). God assures us that He won’t give us more than we can handle. There will be trials, but we need to step back from our current circumstances and realize that God is with us along the way.
The apostle Paul reminds us that we can’t even imagine the wonders God has prepared for us. We will live again! This life isn’t the final destination – it wasn’t meant to be so. It’s preparation for an awesome future, and we can be encouraged that each of us has a central part in that plan.
A second vital aspect of the coin of hope is that God gives us His Scriptures which contain HOPE! God inspired the Bible—to uplift us, provide encouragement, and give us assurance that His ways stand (2 Timothy 3:16). Through the scriptures we have access to God’s personal counsel.
God inspired David to write the Psalms, and to address the despair and depression prompted by his many trials. Despite it all, he rose above his circumstances by focusing on God, His laws, and promises: “Let, I pray, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort, According to Your word to Your servant. Let Your tender mercies come to me, that I may live; For Your law is my delight.” (Psalm 119:76-77). The Psalms are like a morning vitamin pill, review them from beginning to end, and write down encouraging verses that are pertinent to you.
Finally, God provides us hope through the outward focus of His law: love toward God and toward our fellow man. When we feel despondent, we need to fight that self-absorption and focus on the needs of others.
Some years ago, a celebrated educator from Texas, Shanna Peeples, was asked how she helped students who came to her classroom as international refugees, many of whom were deeply traumatized. Her response was to show them kindness, understanding, and a sense of community.
In the Psalms, David talks of God’s merciful and marvelous kindness. We know we are to love and do good to all men, but especially the household of God. Let’s each express our kindness to our fellow brethren as we bear the fruits of God’s Spirit. We all have a part to play in building this godly community.
Gary MacPherson