So Where is the Hope?

 I write a lot about the evil and depravity that is so prevalent in our culture. About the rot that continues to fester, and the betrayal of politicians and churches to Islam and the LGBTQ+ perversions. One might accuse me of being a sour curmudgeon, of seeing no good in our world. They might even be somewhat correct in that accusation. I'm not totally a curmudgeon, though. I see much beauty in God's creation, and that gives me hope. His word also gives me hope.

Here's a little information about me. I'm over 60, my body is pretty broken, and I'm in pain every day of my life. I'm currently unemployed and do not have health insurance. I'm looking at a bad end for the last days of my life. I've prayed to God before I go to bed that He would heal me, or that I not wake up in this world. It gets that bad. Yet, He keeps waking me up, and I'm not healed. I thank Him for the new day ahead and pray that through His Holy Spirit, He gives me the strength to get through it. Wouldn't you know, He does exactly that. I have so much to be thankful for that sometimes my heart swells with gratitude. 

My life has been full, though not what I thought it would be when I was a kid. I've been dead and brought back. I've been paralyzed, and yet I can walk. I've a host of medical issues that can't be fixed. Yet, I thank God for every day He gives me, whether I wanted to wake up or not. I find pure joy in His creation. My gratitude is puny compared to what He has done. What Christ has done. To think that He would die to pay for the sins of a lowlife like me. It amazes me every time I think about it. It gives me so much appreciation for the Father, Son, and Spirit! 

That's the biggest thing missing in Western Culture. Simple gratitude for all that we've been blessed with. We have turned away from God, without whom the Western world would be nothing. We've made gods of our own desires and denied the One who created all things. That doesn't come without a price. Western societies have become debauched, depraved, and flat-out evil. We appreciate nothing. Unless that changes, it will only get worse. It is incumbent on every true believer to give an explanation for the hope that lies within us. That is a Scriptural command. We must not cower. We must be unafraid, even to the point of death. For God is great, and greatly to be praised! His magnificent Son is to be worshipped as he died for us, and was raised up on the 3rd day! He opened the way to the Father! His Holy Spirit resides in all believers! We tell people the good news! Unlike false religions, we don't spread this news by the sword. We remain true to Him who purchased us with His blood! We are blessed, and should ALWAYS be thankful. Amen.