The battle for hope

“Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.” Psalm 42:11

Joe Jacobs of Praise Nation PGH and writer of many of their original songs recently added this comment to the Praise Week reflection on “Will there be faith?”

“I love when Jesus challenges us.
He never leaves us where we are.
We all know what condition the world is in, what are we going to do about it is what Jesus is asking us.
Imagine being found in the heat of spiritual battle, proclaiming Our Risen King when He returns. Imagine us finding Him shoulder to shoulder with us in our struggle. How Good it is to live and fight and be with Hope!”

This is so meaningful in its depth. In today’s world with all the horrible hate spinning from so many people so easily, it is hard for even those on The Road of Faith to keep their hope.

Little doubt remains that we stand at the precipice of the end of times. The battle isn’t recently engaged despite what many may be saying while reading the news. This battle has been raging since Lucifer turned his back in pride against God.

“This battle is too big for me.” God answers that worry, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him” Romans 15:13.

Jesus gives us the answer in the Image of Divine Mercy and throughout Scripture and St. Faustina’s diary – TRUST.

When we look around us to see if there is faith on earth or how other people may be standing up to fight for God, we become like Peter as he walked across the sea. “But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink” Matthew 14:30. We shouldn’t be looking around to see if others are with us or even if the Lord is there. We need to bring ourself as best as we can to the fight and know (AKA Trust) that Jesus is already there. It is then that we can see “How Good it is to live and fight and be with Hope!”

It is then that we will be able to look to Jesus at our side and honestly answer “I am here so there is faith, Lord.” And, never doubt that there will be an army surrounding us of fellow soldiers in the Church Militant and the Choirs of Angels.

If your hope begins to wane as you read the headlines, let me offer two pieces of advise. First, turn off the news, shut down the news apps and stop reading it. No matter the outlet, the news is being used to bring you down and break your hope. Second, sing out your praises. Don’t just think of the praise but actually lift your voice (even if bad like mine) and sing along with your favorite praise song. Let it ring loud.