Ask the Pastor

By Pastor Scott Denham of Harvest Fellowship, Shambaugh, IA

Clarinda Herald Journal Publication Date : 1/10/2007

 

Living Hopeful in Fearful Times

 

            With terrorism on the rise, the world is more dangerous and the future more uncertain. I feel I need to be less cynical and a little more hopeful. What can I do?”

            While it is true that the future is uncertain and that evil, on occasion, prevails, we must put our hope and faith in the one unchanging certainty in the universe—the God who will have the final word on human history.

            Here are four proactive approaches to living positive and hopeful in a negative world.

            First, fear God, and you need fear no others. To fear God means to love and obey Him with the utmost reverence. Isaiah 8:12-13 says, "…do not fear what [others] fear…The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear.”

            Secondly, appreciate the immensity of God. The bigger you see God to be, the smaller the problems of life appear. He is the “Almighty One” Who “spans the universe in the palm of His hand,” and with whom “nothing is impossible.” Worshipful contemplation of this all-powerful God makes the smaller skirmishes of life trivial by comparison.

            Thirdly, take refuge in God. Scripture likens God to a large rock fortress; large, enduring, strong, unchanging, and unconquerable. In Psalm 94:22, the psalmist declares, “the LORD has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.”

            Finally, live as a child of God. Consider how a loving home provides a safe place for children. By and large, our children do not worry about politics, wars, or natural disasters. They simply trust that mom and dad will take care of them. So it is with those who have entered God’s family through Christ. Outside, there are dangers everywhere, but within, there is peace and a confident assurance that Daddy will take care of everything.

            Of future events, there are chapters yet to write, a story to live, and a God who has the final word. Put your trust in Him!

            --Pastor Scott (www.askpastorscott.com)