FINDING HOPE IN DARK TIMES
In a recent segment on NPR's Morning Edition, Rev.
Cameron Partridge shared about an idea he developed during his years as a
college chaplain. "You know, you've got the end of the semester. You've
got finals. Preparation to leave for home. So, Advent barely got to be
observed." Traditionally, the season of Advent is observed in the
Christian liturgical calendar during the four weeks preceding Christmas. But
Partridge decided to start it a few weeks sooner to draw attention to the
necessary, urgent themes of the season.
He says the shift gave students "an opportunity
to actually really be present together and to observe it together, which could
be grounding in a time of great intensity." This seems of utmost
importance, especially given the extended conflict in the Middle East, the
prolonged war between Russia and Ukraine, and many facing an uncertain future
after the recent elections.
"We can't pretend that everything is fine,"
he says. There is tumult in the World, and it is real, challenging, and deeply
affecting people." Petersen believes Advent for Christians is as much
about Hope for the Second Coming of Jesus, sometimes called the Second Advent,
that will usher in God's reign as it commemorates God's first coming in the
person of Jesus in first-century Palestine. Petersen says that tension is where
we all reside, which is why Advent is what we need. "In its dwelling in
the already and the not-yet, Advent can ground and strengthen us in all of that
uncertainty and help give us the ability to connect with God and one another."[1]
For the next four Sundays, we will reflect on God's
enduring promises to humanity as we light four candles, sing classic Advent
hymns, and read hope-giving scriptures about Christ's first and second Advent.
On this first Sunday, as we light the first purple candle, which represents
Hope, we will look at where to find Hope in Dark Times Isaiah 9:1-7
I.
Dark Times In Israel's History.
To understand this fascinating prophecy in Isaiah
9:1-7 and its future implications, we must read it in the context when Isaiah
received this prophecy from God. The book derives its name from a Southern
prophet, Isaiah, whose name means, "The Lord is salvation."
The Prophet began his ministry during a time of
relative peace and prosperity under Judah's kings, but conditions deteriorated
quickly, especially on the International scene. In 722 BC, Assyria became a
superpower and deported the Northern Kingdom into exile. Later, in 701 BC,
Assyria ravaged the Judean countryside, and Jerusalem almost fell.
During this darkest period of Israel, God showed
Isaiah through a vision the reasons for Israel and Judah's exile. It was due to
their rebellious and Idolatrous ways. Here is God's case against His people, Isaiah
1:4, "Woe to the sinful nation, a people whose guilt is great, a brood of
evildoers, children given to corruption! They have forsaken the Lord, spurned
the Holy One of Israel, and turned their backs on him."
God's assessment of the World today is similar to that
of the nation of Israel. Many are rebellious, corrupt, and doing evil. They
have forsaken God and turned their backs against Him. With that background, let
us explore the need for Hope, what Biblical Hope looks like, and where we can
find Hope.
II.
What is Hope, and Why do we need it?
In
his book 8 Ways to Hope, William Miller defines Hope. "Hope is not a naive
approach to seeing the World, where we ignore problems and engage in "wishful
thinking." Instead, Hope is a complex response, involving "feeling,
thought, action, vision, a life force, and a way of seeing or being." Having
Hope, instead of living in fear or being cynical, helps us see possibility in
present-day circumstances and not become overwhelmed.
People
who feel hopeful are good
problem-solvers, more resilient and
persistent, more engaged and
productive at work, more creative and
adaptable, and better at
recovering from adversity. For these reasons, inculcating
Hope in ourselves helps us handle problems and enjoy life more.[2]
Hope calls us to believe that even
behind the darkest clouds, something more will bring sunshine into our lives.
Hope is in the expecting and the waiting. We can never give up even when there
is no visible sign that things will improve. This is the World's view on Hope.
What does the Bible say?
1.
The Biblical View of Hope
We have just come through elections;
depending on who you talk to, some sound optimistic, while others may sound
hopeless and fearful of the future. How can God's children remain hopeful when
the rest of the World may feel hopeless? By understanding what Biblical Hope
looks like. Hope is essential for a healthy human existence.
It is a critical concept in the
Bible. Biblical Hope is not based on the ambitious promises of political
leaders but on God, who is an all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present help
in Dark Times of trouble and despair. Biblical Hope is not in circumstance but
in God, who never changes and is always reliable. Where do we find Hope in Dark
Times?
III.
Finding Hope In Dark Times (Isaiah 9:1-7)
Isaiah's prophecy begins with people living in Dark
Times of gloom and distress. He promised them light at the end of a seemingly
very long, dark tunnel of life. In Isa 9:2, he says, "The people walking
in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep
darkness, a light has dawned." Darkness in this scripture does not
necessarily refer to the absence of light. It is a symbolic reference to the
sinful condition of the human soul and the complex and challenging situations
that human beings go through living in the fallen World.
The Psalms offer prayers of Hope when we face dark
times.
- Psalm
9:18: "But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the
afflicted will never perish."
- Psalm 23:4, "Even though I walk
through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; Your
rod and your staff comfort me."
- Psalm
34:17-18, "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and
rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in
spirit."
- Psalm
46:1: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in
trouble."
- Psalm
43:5: "Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation
and my God."
- Psalm
56:8: You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected
all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." (NLT)
- Psalm 62:5- 6: Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my Hope comes from him. Truly, he is my rock and my salvation." he is my fortress; I will not be shaken."
Is
your heart overwhelmed with troubles and sorrows? What is the darkest valley
you are going through? Are you discouraged? Encourage yourselves in the Lord as
David did, "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put
your Hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." Ps
42:5. When you go home, find some time and do a word study on Hope in the
Bible. I pray that you will find Hope in God in your dark times.
When
would people living in dark times experience true light? The Prophet Isaiah
prophesied in Isaiah 9: 6-7, "For a child
is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders."
All answers to the despair of the people of Judah were found in a son who would
be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and
Prince of Peace." We will learn more about the child in the coming weeks.
Discovering
the Hope of our salvation is the essence of Advent. The Hope of the World is
absent in our political leaders, the kings of this World, or any earthly
government. Our Hope in dark times can not be found in people but only in a
righteous God who is just in all of his ways and full of love and compassion.
We can only be eternally secure, live in peace, and have joy in God's Eternal
Kingdom. The good news is that we can access God's kingdom right here on Earth.
May that be our quest during this Advent 2024.
