As we look around these days, there is so much anger, pain, confusion and just plain craziness. It can make it difficult to be brave, let alone optimistic.
Our hearts hurt for the families of all those whose loved ones we encounter only by watching the news or reading a headline. Our minds struggle as we try to imagine ways we might make things better. But the truth is, if we are going to help bring heaven to earth, to make “down here” look more like “up there” we need always to be pointing those who do look to us for encouragement, those who do rely on our input, toward the One who comforts hearts and gives wisdom.
“Do not forget to rejoice, for hope is always just around the corner. Hold up through the hard times that are coming, and devote yourselves to prayer” (Romans 12:12).