Hope in the Abyss

During this dreary time of the year it seems we are enveloped in a world of hurt. Whether it be in a more global sense with the shooting in Arizona, economic troubles, hunger and homelessness or in a more personal sense. So many people around me are dealing with life situations that hurt to the core of their soul. Marriages that are falling apart, health issues that are life threatening, or someone I care deeply about unexpectedly and tragically losing a significant person in her life are just a few of the life happenstances that have put a cloud over my outlook on life. These things on top of what has been a very stressful time at work has brought a feeling of hopelessness to me at times.

Feeling hopeless, unfulfilled and empty and yet it pales in comparison to the pain those around me feel. I wish I had magic words or actions to fix all these problems but the abyss that this pain exist in is too deep for me to reach alone. So where is the hope for a man who considers himself an optimistic and hopeful person?

I find I must cling, with every ounce of energy I can muster, to the hope promised by my Father. It is easy to keep focused on ourselves and forget that there is a promise of hope that is greater than all the burdens we and those around us face daily. While it doesn't answer why these things happen to those we love, there is a promise, a hope that is bigger than our life on earth. It reaches into the abyss and gives us something to cling to.

Some may say that this hope, faith is a crutch and that may well be true but I am not ashamed to say that I need that crutch. While it is not easy or always understandable I am hopeful for what life will bring for all those with hurt in their hearts. It is limiting God to say that there is no hope and who are we or who am I to put limits on God's love and hope. As we get closer to MLK Day, we will hear the story of someone who could have easily given up, wallowed in hopelessness and been angered by the prejudices that hindered him pursuing his dreams. However, he preached a gospel of hope and peace in the midst of the turmoil that could have squelched all desire to go on.

So I will cling to that hope and trust that He whom I profess my faith in will continue to forgive, share His mercy and grace and be there to help us make a difference for others. I don't pretend to understand all that is going on around me, won't always be able to be the light I'd like to be and will certainly fail at times. I will be forgiven and loved regardless and will hope for peace for all those around me. May the peace, hope and love of our graceful God surround you and comfort you.

Hope fills the afflicted soul with such inward joy and consolation, that it can laugh while tears are in the eye, sigh and sing all in a breath; it is called "the rejoicing of hope" (Hebrews 3:6).

William Gurnall
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