Hope amidst Hopelessness: Monday

Monday March 15, 2021

Created by Hannah Tonn

Hebrews 12:1–3 (NIV)

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Devotion

In this reading, we see St. Paul reminds us of the sins that shake our world and to fix our eyes upon Jesus who is our redeemer and hope in faith. This reading may not contain the word hopelessness, but it implies the inner turmoil one may face. The end of the reading holds the words ‘weary’ and ‘lose’ as both remain powerful examples of lost hope. We are seen as children of God who equally loves and welcomes us. For many living through the inequalities that have spread throughout our world, hopelessness may be the only thing they feel. As the COVID-19 pandemic runs through, working to ruin our communities, ableism has shown its true colors, and racism seems as if it will be a never ending fight. These constant struggles that our world is facing seem to only hold a loss of hope. But the love of God is showing through our protests for equality, vaccinations, and education. What are we as siblings in Christ doing to bring our community together? A start of change holds hope within the simple actions and even the difficult ones.

Today, ask yourself the hard questions. Where are you finding hope within hopelessness? How can you overcome those feelings of doubt and frustration? Do not be afraid to take more time for yourself, or to educate others, and speak out about your passions.

Prayer

Good and gracious God, help us to find hope in this weary season. Amen.