HOPE IN TIMES OF ANXIETY

A feeling of uneasiness and uncertainty…our world is in turmoil. Image credit: *PRADEEP RANJAN* on Unsplash.

By REVEREND TONY ZEKVELD

Anxiety fills the air. Are you feeling that? A feeling of uneasiness and uncertainty, waiting for something about to happen, but we don’t know what. Our world is in turmoil.

Think of the worldwide economic impact of the Russian-Ukraine war, the public unrest in our own nation with numerous demonstrations and protests, and, of late, the estranged relationship between Canada and India now impacting travel. Add to this the unstable economy, the housing crisis, rising interest rates, elevated food prices, homelessness with tents set up in our city parks as temporary homes. What about when winter settles in and the snow begins to fly?

Recently, a dear young couple from India came to our doorstep looking for housing, with little money in their hands. He now has a job. They recently got a place to rent (thank God!) but they are barely able to make their payments, needing money for groceries to live. These stories can be multiplied, with people in worse situations, like renting one bed in a room; or worse yet, in the corner of a shared kitchen.

The mood of uncertainty fills the air. Our society is so broken. Recently a lady spoke with my wife on the phone, weeping uncontrollably, filled with hopelessness and despair, not knowing what to say, or what to do.

So many are disconnected. They feel like they do not belong. People and so-called friends disappoint again and again. The need for friendship and community is so real. Needed: a place of love, forgiveness and restoration.

People need a place where they can receive genuine support and spiritual guidance. Jesus offers this hope, a hope that does not disappoint. Jesus gives this hope in the context of the community of those who together confess their hope in Him. Hope Centre is one among many of those places in our city where hurting people may come, receive, even taste the family-like fellowship in Christ. This is especially on Sundays, 12:30 pm, when we gather together to hear His message of hope.

In Jesus, we find solid hope, even in these really anxious times. The Bible says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”. So much so that it says, “therefore, we will not fear; even though the earth be removed, and the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea”.

We will not fear! This is the confidence for those who trust in Him as their refuge and strength!

HOPE TRIUMPHS

HOPE IN TIMES OF ANXIETY