Beautifulਨਮੂਨਾ

Hope

In the world, there’s distress and desperation. People try different ways to cope with it.

Some escape with drugs. They think, “I’d rather fly through the sky. I’d rather stay high while the world goes by.” Other people are “just waiting to die,” they tell themselves, justifying their addiction.

Some seek out relationships. They long to be wanted and loved, but find themselves in unfulfilling and even toxic situations. “She cries, but her man denies,” say the lyrics to “Beautiful.” The verse continues: “It’s funny how love comes with so many lies. He said he’d never do it again, so she puts on a smile and starts to pretend.”

How do you go from delusion and denial to the chorus that life is beautiful?

Listen to Jesus’ invitation. He says, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28–30, MSG)There is no hope in this world, but we have hope in God. His love is all we need. His love can change not only our situation, but our hearts, our minds, and even the whole world.

Jesus doesn’t make empty promises. Elsewhere, He tells His disciples, “In the world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). He promises, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” He says, “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them” (John 7:38). Jesus offers us rivers of hope, life, peace, joy, and love.

It is because of the hope we have in Jesus that we can sing “Life is beautiful, so share a little love with the whole wide world. Every boy and girl sing this song when we sing why-o, why-o. And hey, you’re beautiful. And there’s enough love for the whole wide world. Every boy and girl sing along when we sing why-o, why-o.”