Friday, June 29, 2012

Finding Hope When Life Seems Hopeless

As we look at what is happening in our nation (the assault on religious liberties, decisions by our nation’s political leaders and justices, etc.), not to mention what is happening around the world (civil wars, hunger, religious persecution, etc.), it is easy to become overwhelmed and distressed. But in the midst of all this we must remember that we do not see the complete picture. At best, we see only bits and pieces, and even then we sometimes don’t fit the pieces together very well.

A man named Asaph, a chief musician under King David’s rule, wrestled with what he saw in his day. It seemed that the ungodly were prospering. In fact, if you look closely at his writing, recorded in Psalm 73, you will see snapshots of the times in which we live. Asaph describes the ungodly as arrogant, trouble-free, violent, oppressive, mockers of God. Asaph wanted to know how in the world these ungodly people could prosper. Even though Asaph knew that God is good, he still wondered why life seemed so unfair.

It was in this time of despair that Asaph found hope. Asaph writes, But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end (Psalm 73:16-17). Asaph was troubled and in despair because he had taken his eyes off God and placed them on others and the circumstances around him. But when Asaph redirected his attention to God, he not only saw the outcome of the ungodly but he was also reminded of who God is.

Perhaps you can relate to Asaph. As you look at your own life, or even at the events taking place around you, you find yourself filled with despair. Perhaps, like Asaph, you wonder how life can be so unfair. I encourage you today to redirect your attention to the One who knows all and sees all. Turn to God. Spend time alone in His presence. Trust God. Remember, He sees the complete picture and He is still in control. As you turn to Him and trust Him, like Asaph, you will find hope when life seems hopeless.

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