Hopeful, or Hopeless?

As the children and I were leaving the grocery store this afternoon, I noticed a neighbor walking in. I hadn't seen her in many months, and turned to greet her. I called out, "Hello, Mrs. _____!" She turned to look at me, said hello, and continued on her way. I probably should have let her go, but I didn't. I continued for a very short time, 30 seconds, perhaps 45, to make small talk. She appeared to be weary; her eyes were bloodshot, and she looked as though she were going to cry. She simply said, "I have become a recluse since all of my friends died last year."

Trying to lighten the mood, I asked, "All of them?"

"Two of them, and that's all I had." She turned and walked away.

My heart was breaking for her, and there I stood, dumbfounded, my children at my sides. I've known this woman for several years now, and she has never been truly happy. By all outward appearances, she should be. She lives in a beautiful home, drives a nice car, and her husband loves her. She has no wants or needs that aren't met. She vacations several times a year.

So what's missing? Hope. A relationship with Jesus. There is no hope without him. I wanted to tell her, but I didn't. I have shared my faith with her in the past, and she didn't want to listen. I think it's why she was so quick to avoid me. I've never been pushy, I just answered honestly when she asked my why I was happy.

Mrs. _____ shared with me some time ago that she believed there were many ways to find inner peace. For some it might be Jesus, for some Buddha, for some just being in nature was enough. She told me that she didn't think it mattered what you believed, as long as it made you feel good. I politely disagreed. Maybe I was too polite.

The children were astounded by her gruff demeanor today. As we drove home, we talked about how, without God, this world really isn't a pleasant place. So much suffering and sorrow. We who know Christ can rejoice because there is something better. So much better.

Are there any among the false gods of the nations that can bring rain? Or can the heavens give showers? Are you not he, O Lord our God? We set our hope on you, for you do all these things. Jeremiah 14:22

For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. 1 Corinthians 1:8-10

This Hymn also comes to mind:

MY HOPE IS BUILT ON NOTHING LESS

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.

Refrain

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

Refrain

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.

Refrain

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

Refrain

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