November 11 - Hope In Hard Times

Hope In Hard Times

“You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” James 5:

In 1942, a man named Felix Powell sat down to a piano to play an old tune. He had every right to play it. He had written it himself. It had been tremendously popular in both World Wars. He was playing and singing it now. “What's the use of worrying? It never was worthwhile. So pack up your troubles in your old kit bag, And smile, smile, smile.”
When Felix Powell finished his song, he walked in his bedroom, took out a revolver, put it to his head, and shot himself. He could write a song about not worrying, and about smiling, but he was unable to save himself.  It's a sad story, but the message of the song is on-target. There is a way to pack up our troubles.

Tom Wilson’s famous syndicated character, Ziggy, has his nightshirt on and his nightcap and has closed the front door and is obviously going to bed. He says, "My philosophy is, 'Leave your worries on your doorstep.'...and somebody will probably swipe them!"

We have discovered that neither of those are the answer to life’s troubles. That's not the way to pack up our troubles. But James helps us with an answer. Now you may not think so if you stay too long with the first verses of this fifth chapter. James wants to make sure they keep their grip in times of difficulty which we all face at one time or another.

He gives advice that God is in control even when life is out of control. James 5:7-9 says, “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!”

The question is, how do we find hope when the earth seems shaky. 

1.  First, don't let past rob us of our future

No matter what has happened in the past, God reminds us that He still has plans in the future.  One of my favorite verses in the Bible (Jeremiah 29:11) is a message of hope in one of the most difficult and desolate seasons in Israel’s history.   After spending years in exile, God reminds them that He still has a future and a hope for them.

The renowned theologian, Yogi Berra, one of the greats of baseball, put it this way: "It's not over till it's over." Yogi was right. Baseball teaches us that in all sorts of ways. In 1986, for instance, Bob Brenley, catcher for the San Francisco Giants, set a major league record with four errors in one game against the Atlanta Braves.

In that same game, he came up to bat in the ninth inning. The Braves were leading. The count was three balls and two strikes. It was the last inning. Do you know what happened? Bob Brenley, in that game in which he had set a world record for errors, hit a home run and won the game for San Francisco, seven to six.

James 5:11 says, “You have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful."

2.   Secondly, deal with those things that are undone as if it were your last day on earth.

Two priests who experienced a rich and rewarding friendship. They struggled together through the wilderness of long seminary training and worked together in a community ministry. Then one of the two friends was hit by a car and killed in front of their residence. The other knelt at the side of his old friend, gently cradled the brother's head on his arm, and before all the people who had gathered blurted out, "Don't die! You can't die! I never told you that I loved you."

Most of us have regrets like that -- maybe not so dramatic, but real and painful. Now and then when I am visiting with people who have experienced the death of a loved one, they will say things like this: "You know I could have visited Momma more often than I did."

Remove regrets and make sure that things are settled.  Too often we live with unresolved issues.

3.   Lastly, the uncertain future has a certain hope for Christians.

He uses a familiar image -- the picture of the farmer waiting patiently, knowing that the rains are going to come -- today, tomorrow, next week -- they are going to come. And when the rains come - - the fruit will grow and the harvest will be sure.

As we are patient, God will bring the hope that will follow.   We don’t have to live in denial or futility but in a confident hope that God is in control.   We can pack that away in our hearts.

Terry Risser

Reflections:

1) Why does hopeless take the wind out of us?

2) How does God offer help to us?

Consider reading the Word today:

Copyright 2014- Terry Risser