If this is your situation
It seems like every new year starts out the same, with lots of optimism and hope for the future. But the world never seems to get any better, and this coming year will probably end up being just as bad as the last one. I find it hard to have much hope. Am I being too pessimistic?
Then check this
Yes, perhaps you are too pessimistic. After all, no matter how bad the world seems to get, God is still in control, and we must never stop working, and praying, for a better world. Many centuries ago, during a very difficult time, God told the prophet Jeremiah, "Do not lose heart" (Jeremiah 51:46).
At the same time, your letter raises a very important question: What is the real problem with our world? To put it another way, why do we seem to make progress one year -- and then fall back the next year? Why do we solve one problem, only to have another problem surface that may be even more dangerous?
The real problem is within ourselves -- within our own hearts and minds. Yes, some problems (such as natural disasters) are beyond our control. But how many of our problems are actually caused by our own greed, or lust, or pride? Jesus said, "For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly" (Mark 7:21-22).
That is why at the start of this new year our greatest need is spiritual renewal -- to have our hearts and minds changed by God. And it can happen, as we open our lives to Christ's transforming Spirit. That is why I am an optimist, because I know Christ can change us -- and then use us to change the world.
No, our problems will never be completely solved until Christ comes again. But with Christ's help this can be a better year for you, as you learn to follow Him. Commit yourself -- and this coming year -- into His hands today.
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from www.billygraham.com
It seems like every new year starts out the same, with lots of optimism and hope for the future. But the world never seems to get any better, and this coming year will probably end up being just as bad as the last one. I find it hard to have much hope. Am I being too pessimistic?
Then check this
Yes, perhaps you are too pessimistic. After all, no matter how bad the world seems to get, God is still in control, and we must never stop working, and praying, for a better world. Many centuries ago, during a very difficult time, God told the prophet Jeremiah, "Do not lose heart" (Jeremiah 51:46).
At the same time, your letter raises a very important question: What is the real problem with our world? To put it another way, why do we seem to make progress one year -- and then fall back the next year? Why do we solve one problem, only to have another problem surface that may be even more dangerous?
The real problem is within ourselves -- within our own hearts and minds. Yes, some problems (such as natural disasters) are beyond our control. But how many of our problems are actually caused by our own greed, or lust, or pride? Jesus said, "For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly" (Mark 7:21-22).
That is why at the start of this new year our greatest need is spiritual renewal -- to have our hearts and minds changed by God. And it can happen, as we open our lives to Christ's transforming Spirit. That is why I am an optimist, because I know Christ can change us -- and then use us to change the world.
No, our problems will never be completely solved until Christ comes again. But with Christ's help this can be a better year for you, as you learn to follow Him. Commit yourself -- and this coming year -- into His hands today.
=======================
from www.billygraham.com
