The other morning I was driving down the road and looked up to see what I think was a huge dump truck painted dark purple. Writen across the back in huge letters was the phrase, "ALL WE HAVE IS NOW."  I was immediatly struck by a sadness that I could not shake for a while. Several thoughts have been rolling around in my head since then, and I wanted to share them with you. 

Do people really believe that all we have is now - no hope, no future, nothing?      

Apparently so! I did a little digging and found a song with that exact title (Song by Royal Blood - 2021). The lyrics talk about not being scared if there is no God to meet us; we will just go back where we came from. No wonder so many people feel hopeless and turn to the world for some simblance of happiness. But what is more disburbing is the lack of understanding about what the Bible teaches. According to Mark 16, whoever does not believe will be condemned. We do not just float back to where we came from! Those of us in Christ can look to the future with hope and excitement. Paul tells us in Romans 8:18, "for I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

Why did this suprise me so much?      

It is easy to get out of touch with those who are lost and hurting. As a retired person, my time is spent mainly with people who at least acknowledge God is present and desire some connection with Him. Have I really become so blind to the lost and hurting people around me that this notion of hopelessness shocked me? Do I truly have a heart that desires to see and reach the people who have no desire to know God or who are even hostile toward Him? Have I become content living in my bubble? Ouch! 

What can I do about it?      

One thing I can do is stop and take an objective look at my life. Galatians 5:22-23 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." Do I see this fruit growing or do I see judgement, contempt, or even disgust when I meet someone living a life that may reflect a mindset that believes ALL WE HAVE IS NOW?  Do I show gentleness and kindness to the person who just cursed at me because I didn't move fast enough when the light turned green? Do I show Godly love to the person who has fallen into addiction once again or do I do what is easiest for me? Do I walk each day with joy and peace flowing from me? What do my actions say to someone who is looking for an answer that will bring them hope?

If you are reading this blog and feel that all you have is today with no hope for the future, let me tell you there is hope in Jesus! In fact, He is our only hope. His grace is sufficient—He is all we need.