What to Think About the World Today

I believe we have every reason to be hopeful about the future. While wars, rumors, and speculation increase, we can find hope, joy, and true peace in the world. Hope can be found every single day if we know where to look. It can be found in a child's face as they play and learn. It can be found in the grasp of a couple's hands as they walk down the street. Hope can be found in a man taking his old dog out to the park for an evening game of fetch. Most importantly, hope is found in Jesus Christ. As we learn more about our Big Brother, we can have better eyes to see hope with. Learning about and coming closer to the Savior will strengthen our ability to see the good in the world, no matter where we are, what we've done, or what is going on in the world. 

    I've heard too many facts and rumors alike about nuclear war (did the cold war ever end?), inflation, abuse, disease, divorce and other trials and challenges that exist in the world today. Jesus knew these would arise. In the 13th chapter of Mark, verse 7, He explains that there will be news of wars and rumors of wars. However, He tells us not to be alarmed. Why? Why not be alarmed? These are awful things that happen to innocent people. God has provided a way to work through them. I don't think He's provided a way out, per se, because we can't ever truly escape the challenges of this life, but we can change our perspective, we can help each other, we can find hope in things that really matter. 

    While we can work together to decrease and mitigate some man-made trials, other challenges will remain. With the right mindset, no challenge or trial or hardship is the end. We can grow stronger. We come to know God's ways, find hope as He wants us to find hope, and we will be better off for it. 

    While the world is an uncertain place, I invite us all to make at least one thing certain: God loves each of us and has provided a Savior to help us return to Him. We can choose to focus on the bad and only see the bad, or we can choose to see the good and learn from the bad. God will help us make the right decisions. 

Walking in the Light

 I've loved hiking since I was a kid! Getting out in nature and enjoying what God has created is one of my most favorite hobbies. Love of hiking started with my family. My dad told me a story about a hike of his when I was a kid, which highlights how walking in the light, both physically and spiritually, can save our lives. 

    My dad had gone out an early morning hike before that sun had come up. He had no flashlight or headlamp on so was going by feel and maybe some minimum moonlight. While pushing through some brush and trees he heard a distinct voice say, "Stop!" He stopped stepping forward immediately. Focusing more on the area ahead of him, he realized there was a massive void where he thought was solid ground. Had he kept moving forward, he would have tumbled off a cliff. 

    Because my dad was willing to listen to that voice, what he believes was the Holy Spirit, his life was saved. When we are walking in the light of Christ our lives can be saved, in more ways than one. 

    I've realized that many people go through this life without a full sense of direction and purpose. When we come to Jesus Christ and live His gospel, we have greater opportunities to find our true, eternal purpose. In John, chapter 11, Jesus reminds us, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of the world." 

Turning to Jesus will enable us to reach our greatest potential in both this life and the next. We will be protected, strengthened, and find greater self-worth. We will be warned of danger, as my dad was, and directed to places that will give us greater hope and light.