WHERE IS THE HOPE?

Perhaps you have heard the news: On Wednesday, 19 year old Robert Hawkins smuggled an AK- 47 assault rifle into a mall in Omaha, Nebraska. Inside the Von Maur store, he opened fire, killing 8 people, wounding 3 others, and then committing suicide by turning the gun on himself. 12 people shot, 9 never to live again on this earth. Who would have expected that? And it is hard to measure the effect somethig like this will have on others who saw the shootings, worked at the mall, were just shoppers themselves that day; and on those who knew Robert Hawkins personally.

The theme that keeps coming to my mind when I read stories like this is: HOPE - Where is the hope? At some point, Robert decided there was no hope for the life that he wanted. I'm sure there may have been several issues involved; but eventually it came down to: no hope. Some of the loved ones who lost their family members and friends to this shooting may be struggling with hope right now.

Many others, in particular at Christmas time, are trying to come up with reasons of why they should keep on living - trying to find real, lasting, hope. In fact, it is somewhat strange that at the time of year when people are buying everything in sight and decorating and planning for this joyous holiday, the deepest fears and feelings of depression are at their higheset level. It reminds us that putting up lights and getting presents and trying to manufacture happiness - does not meet the deepest needs of the heart. And one of the deepest is that of: HOPE.

There is a verse of Scripture that has been a huge encouragement to me:
Romans 15:13 - "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."

Hope does not just appear. It comes from God. And along with that, even in stressful stimes, comes an opportunity to have joy and peace. These are things talked about quite a bit at Christmas time, but actually realized by very few. However, we all can have real joy, constant peace, and hope in all circumstances. Why? All because of Christ. If you and I are willing to look outside ourselves and our current problem, we can trust in God fully, to be that He is and to fulfill all His promises. And if we rely on HIm, then we can have hope, even though life is uncertain.

Keeping the HOPE alive at Christmas time