Among the secondary effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic, “collateral damage” includes a sharp increase in the number of people of all ages experiencing feelings of hopelessness. During the pandemic, many did not know who to turn to. Hopelessness and despair became constant companions. For some, this caused a return to addiction. Others suffered from irreversible thoughts of suicide to avoid fear and pain.
I will never forget hearing from one of my clients that his ex-wife had decided to commit suicide. He still had life insurance on her even though she had abandoned the family more than three years earlier. However, in the wake of her death, the benefits did nothing to ease the pain he and their two little boys had to endure due to her loss. Someone called suicide “a permanent solution to a temporary problem.” Because of the woman's choice to take her own life, this family lost contact with their loved one.
Life is precious, and it always amazes me how anyone can simply give in to what seems like a dark or hopeless situation. I find finding hope in seemingly hopeless times to be a very rewarding endeavor. We all face difficulties at different times in our lives. As a follower of Christ, I have come to understand that life is not always easy—nor should it be. Jesus told His disciples: “I have spoken these things to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but take heart: I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
I am also inspired by the words from the Gaither Vocal Band song “Because He Lives”: “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow; Because He lives, all fear has been removed; Because I know that the future belongs to Him, And life is worth living - only because He lives.”
These are beautiful words that I remember; sometimes I find myself singing them during difficult times. Like most of us, I find myself in valleys far more often than on mountaintops.
Experience has taught me that God chooses to use me when I feel closest to others who need encouragement. This is why our personal experiences are so important. We need to share it with people who may find themselves in similar circumstances. Hopelessness is a tactic of our spiritual enemy, whom the Bible calls Satan. He and his demons want to create a sense of hopelessness by killing as many people as possible. C.S. Lewis, in his powerful little book, Letters from a Screwtape, emphasizes that Satan is a liar and a deceiver. His goal has always been to deceive and destroy our lives. The answer to this is our eternal hope in Jesus Christ.
All those who have trusted in Christ as Savior and Lord know that our eternal welfare is secure. The work of salvation was accomplished almost 2000 years ago when Christ died for us and our past, present and future sins. But His work continues today. We have the Lord's promise: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Jesus also told His followers, “And I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
Even when things seem completely hopeless, we can cling to another reassurance: “Fear not, for I am with you; do not be troubled, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, and help you, and uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10).
© 2023. All rights reserved. Jim Langley has been writing for over 30 years. Works as a life and health insurance agent. In recent years, his hobby has evolved into writing about his relationship with God. His goal is to encourage others to also draw closer to Him. A longtime member of the CBMC, he began writing Fourth Quarter Strategies in 2014.
Questions for reflection/discussion
NOTE. To learn more about what the Bible says on this topic, consider the following passages: Romans 5:6-8, 8:28,37-39; Ephesians 6:10-17; 1 Thessalonians 5:8-11; Titus 2:13-14
