I walked away from a conversation recently feeling even more despondent. For the few seconds we talked, neither of us offered much encouragement. I hadn’t seen this friend in ages and hated that our conversation and the tragedies that seem to be taking place daily, either in our own lives or on our screens, had ambushed our reunion.
Later that week, I sat with some kids. We talked about the responsibility Jesus took on living and dying for us and what our response should be. One wise child who had shared his struggles earlier, raised his hand and offered, “We should be people who share our hope and happiness with others.”
I haven’t been doing a very good job of that. Have you? I’ve allowed the news, which thrives on sharing every disturbing story constantly, to speak more into my life recently then the hope and happiness that those who follow the Christ have been awakened to. And doesn’t Satan love it.
But what if we were people of hope and happiness, regardless of what is set before us?
What if we remembered the responsibility we have, not only to Jesus, but to our neighbors and enemies? Even those who live, love, and vote differently.
What if our Christianity was measured by the amount of hope, safety, and joy others found while in our presence?
What if we refused to dwell on the
darkness even though the darkness seems to continually beat down our doors?
What if God’s people were full of hope and joy instead of fear and suspicion?
The news isn’t going to get much better but we are people of hope and happiness. Maybe we need to start acting like it. And I when I fail to do so (because I do), I’m going to remember the words of that kid who reminded me that we all have access to hope and happiness and it’s time we start sharing it.
We can all agree that we will face many days where there won’t be much happiness, but even then, there will always be hope.
“Lord, may I not discourage anyone. Give me a holy discernment regarding what I should say and not say. May I not waste an opportunity to bless another by being so negative and even cynical. May I focus on what God is doing in the world and in me. May hope come through my words. -Jim Martin