I’m sure you’ve listened to the news . . . read the newspapers . . . listened to podcasts. Subsequently, you know the world is really struggling right now. In essence, that’s why we should explore what it looks like to have hope in terrible times.
Terrible Times
There is no doubt – every generation has gone through terrible times. In fact, each generation might think their “terrible times” are the worst. Just ask someone from each generation!
Regardless, this current generation has come into some terrible times. And it’s pretty clear, some deceptions have taken hold. Plus, there’s been escalation in “badness.”
This is a sign. Jesus is coming!
“At that time, they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Lk. 21:27-28)
Let’s Look Deeper
Actually, the first verse directly above (Lk. 21:27) is one of my favorite memory verses this year. Here it is again. “At that time, they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.”
I love to repeat it and meditate on it. Truly, I must have a good imagination. I can see all kinds of really awesome pictures in my head! So, what comes to your mind when you picture the Son of Man coming in a cloud – with power and great glory?
Also, remember Rev. 19:11 says, “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True.” That is just incredible! Essentially, you can picture Jesus on a white horse with a banner that declares Him “Faithful and True.” Notice the text actually uses a capital letter for each of those adjectives: Faithful and True. Interesting, to say the least.
Now, let’s look at Lk. 21:28 again. “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Honestly, this is simply a good way to live each day.
Stand up! Lift up your heads. Your redemption is drawing near.
Another “To-The-Point” Passage
2 Tim. 3:1-5 is another “to-the-point” passage.
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power.”
Let’s Look Deeper Still
This list represents exceptionally well what is going on in our world today.
- People – lovers of themselves.
- Lovers of money.
- Boastful.
- Proud.
- Abusive.
- Disobedient to authority.
- Ungrateful.
- Unholy.
- Without love.
- Unforgiving.
- Slanderous.
- No self-control.
- Brutal.
- Not lovers of good.
- Treacherous.
- Rash.
- Conceited.
- Lovers of pleasure.
Wow. Eighteen pretty ugly character qualities. Does it get any worse? What a list! Sadly, what a mess! We treacherous people surely needed a Savior. And the final one that I didn’t even include in that list is the worst.
Not lovers of God!
So, what are undeniable conclusions? Well, one conclusion is – a lot of this stuff has been present from the beginning of time. Another conclusion is – we very well could be living in the last days. Time is short. You’ve got to look at this. Truly, you can’t just toss it to the side. Wouldn’t you agree? Jesus’ second coming is closer than it used to be.
The first time, Jesus quietly slipped into a manger one dark night centuries ago. Reliably, He will come a second time, as He promised. However, this coming will be an event! It will change all history. Jesus will rip through the skies on His horse, bringing legions of angels. And guess what!
Jesus will set up His government. All law and order will be on His shoulders. Is. 9:6 goes on to say He will be the – “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
The Worst!
In my estimation, there’s one sin on the previous list at the very end that is the most despicable! Interestingly, it doesn’t sound too terrible. Especially compared to some of the other things mentioned. However, I suggest this sin could well be the worst: “. . . having a form of godliness but denying its power.” (vs. 5) Why is this so bad?
Sadly, that verse describes a person who is living as a fake, a shell, a robot, even a hypocrite. Pretending to be a Christian, but denying the very essence of what makes you who you are in Christ. Tragically, this represents too many people. Do you know someone like this?
Additionally, that most despicable spiritual state involves seriously flawed thinking. Claiming to be godly but denying the actual power of God is completely illogical. In fact, it demotes God to a lesser place in one’s thinking. The sad part? This kind of thinking and living can never yield fruit. It is not living by faith, and since it’s impossible to please God without faith (Heb. 11:6), it leaves a person empty.
Essentially, Scripture says – that poor person is depraved. 2 Tim. 3: 8b says, “. . . they are men of depraved minds . . .”
In this place, you will never nurture love for God with heart, soul, mind, and strength – or love for your neighbor. (Lk.10:27) Those are the first and second greatest commandments. Refusing to adopt and live by them creates a barrier between God and you.
BUT – In terrible times, you need God. And you need Him intimately close.
Hope In Terrible Times
Hope in terrible times always flows directly from God.
Col. 1:17 says, “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”
Did you know you can deliberately choose to believe God’s love and goodness? Further, did you know you can actually enjoy Him? Beyond imagination, did you know you are literally created to rest in God? Even in terrible times.
Subsequently, living like that will change your life. Remember Jer. 29:11 – “I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.”
Hope In Terrible Times Requires . . .
When times are increasingly terrible, what does hope require? Essentially, what does it look like? It’s possible to name identifying qualities.
I believe identifying qualities of hope can definitely be both identified and named. Let’s look at the following list of identifiers. Quite literally, these statements define hope in terrible times. Plus, they are required in order to live confidently and joyfully in terrible times.
- Humble yourself before the Lord.
- Confess all sin.
- Repent (means to turn and go the opposite direction).
- Believe Jesus completely, which may feel like leaping off a cliff.
- Obey everything God shows you with principles in His Word. He will show how to live your life so you can succeed.
- Enjoy God each moment.
- Rest in Jesus with confidence, remembering He is faithful.
Living in this reality sets you free as you begin to experience purpose and peace – even in terrible times.
Before we explore the Application Thoughts and Questions –
Now, for Application Thoughts and Questions.
Application Thoughts And Questions
As you think through (meditate on) this material, here are some questions that might help.
Do you believe God can do anything? That He answers prayer? That He is everything He claims?- Do you believe God loves you? Perhaps you believe this – but still feel distant from Him.
- Is there a barrier you’ve kept between you and God? Interestingly, God has made His responses to you quite clear. He loves you – so much!
- Have you been clear in your responses back to God – that you love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? Plus, that you commit to BE a living sacrifice? (Rom. 12:1)
- Who is your neighbor? Do you care about their salvation and life?
- Are you living with hope so your “neighbor” (and all people in your life) see God’s hope during terrible times?
- Is there anything you will be ashamed about when Jesus returns on His beautiful white horse with the banner that names Him Faithful and True?
Check Out A Great Series On Hope
In addition to that series on hope, we have a course – Hope Does Not Disappoint. Sign up for this free resource. And be encouraged in hope during terrible times.
A Helpful Resource
* Portions of this content come from my book – More e-Pistles For An i-Generation: Relevant In A Digital Age – a devotional book that takes you through all Paul’s letters that follow 1 and 2 Corinthians. You’ll find practical action points that help you know God better and nurture personal growth. You can find this book in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.
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