The question is not really about location, but foundation. So many today are fresh out of hope. They wonder about this earth confused, unsure, and unstable. The world around them is crushing them. The major issues are catastrophic—the minor ones are debilitating: the news is traumatic and even the weather sends them comatose. When everything hinges upon this world and the consistency thereof, you are tethered to a ship in stormy waters. They have hope in tomorrow because they had today. They have hope in their job and retirement because they worked yesterday. But when that future is in question because of the turbulence of our time, what then?
As the people of God our hope is built on so much more! It is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness. Sound familiar? That’s because we sing it! My hope is built, or firmly rooted on a solid foundation. It is our hope in Christ that gives us an anchor for the soul, that keeps the soul steadfast and sure while the billows roll (see Heb. 6:19).
Our hope can be built up or it can be laid waste. The wise man who built his house upon the rock endured the harshness of life and his house stayed sure. The fool who built his house upon the sand lost it all. What’s the difference? The rock is a solid foundation upon which a life can truly be built. The only reliable foundation is the identity of Jesus Christ and His gospel. Our hope should be built on nothing less!
Last year we turned on the news and witnessed some of the devastation happening in Ukraine. I couldn’t tell you what brought it all about since I don’t keep up with the news or current affairs. Regardless of the reason, it was (and I guess still is!) an incredibly sad turn of events. There has always been turmoil on the world stage and as long as the world continues, there will be. We have brethren in that country, living through an unimaginable nightmare. They are not the only ones. Try being a Christian in Moscow, or China… Try meeting with other Christians in the dark of night, closed off from the world, meeting in hushed voices and having to sing songs quietly. Imagine living in an area of the world where you are threatened day in and day out. Where is their hope? Exactly where it should be: the Kingship of Jesus Christ. If our hope is in this life only, we are woefully ill-equipped to handle the hardships that come.
Where is your hope?