Cost of living “crisis”, energy bills doubling, global warming increasing, supply chain breakdowns, food and energy shortages, new viruses – we’re surrounded by negative messaging
Many living in today’s global world of fear simply don’t know which way to turn. It is almost impossible to find genuine messages of hope and encouragement that are long lasting and convincing.
This world gives us unlimited ways of short-term escapism from our fears and worries for our futures – but once we are alone with our thoughts, the problems remain.
What hope is there for mankind in 2023?
Believe it or not, the Bible tells us that worry is a sin. God wants us to be at peace, trusting in him alone.
Jesus asked: “Which of you, by worrying, can add one hour to the length of his life?” (Matthew 6:27, Amplified Version)
God tells us to:
“Fear not…Do not worry about today…Be transformed by the renewing of your mind… Set your mind on things above, not on things on the Earth.”
But how DO we follow biblical principles that are the complete opposite of everything we are seeing, hearing about and even talking about with our colleagues, friends and family?
By believing that Jesus offers us a new life, here on earth.
How do we get that new life?
By realising that he has dealt with our sins of worry and fear once and for all, 2,000 years ago, by shedding his blood on a hill outside Jerusalem. The Bible says that sin can only be paid for with blood, and so Jesus took our sins on himself when he hung on the Cross for six hours, disfigured beyond human imagination.
The true cost of living is being a sinner – and facing an eternal penalty when we die
The Bible also says: “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
So the true cost of living will be the price of everything we’ve done wrong – and facing an eternal penalty when we die…
Unless we believe what Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
Three days after his brutally efficient Roman crucifixion, Jesus rose from the dead – and nobody has ever been able to find his body. Eye-witness accounts of meeting the resurrected Saviour are recorded in the Gospels.
It was a stunning, cosmic victory over sin, so that the worst ‘sinner’ could have a second chance at life if they put their trust in Jesus.
Jesus defeated death, and with this he overcame fear, anxiety and depression. He did not give us a spirit of fear, but power, love and a sound mind.
Look to the victory Jesus has won for all mankind and make it real in your own life. Drop your worries at the foot of the empty Cross and give Jesus all your fears. He’s waiting to walk the rest of your life alongside you.
With thanks to Pastor Ian Shaw of Church of the Way, Maidstone