How to Be the Light Of Hope In An Angry World ⋆ Effie Darlene Barba

I watch the news; concluding, we live in an Angry World. The far left screaming, violently protesting the ideologies of the right as being filled with hate; without hearing their own hate being spewed. Proclaiming socialism as a cure; as though, government can mandate kindness; while ignoring the failed socialistic models throughout the world. The right scream back in protest. We listen, we watch, and we turn to pray! “God, how long? How long will the cries of the angered, resist mob scream violently breaking down all civility? Only, You, LORD of heaven and earth can change all this bickering and fighting! A house divided against itself cannot stand; come, open our hearts, our minds, and our spirits to seek you. Though the fig trees fail to bloom, LORD; I will trust in You. LORD, help me to be the light of hope and love to show the way.”

Darkness, evil, hate, and anger will fill the hearts of men and women; when, they do not see the light of God’s love given freely through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Just as darkness is the absence of light; evil represents the absence of God’s righteousness. When, we turn our backs on the creator; we doom our world. How have we, the Christians of this nation so failed to demonstrate God’s love, His gift of salvation, and His grace to those around us? How have we allowed our own words to become those peppered with anger, hate, and hostility? Were we to shine our light of hope into the darkened world, what would happen then? That does not mean we condone lawlessness; for that merely allows evil to perpetrate. We must respect and honor those whom God places in authority over us; even, when we do not fully agree

STRENGTH TO STAND FIRM IN LOVE

We must stand firm; yet, do so with respect, honor, dignity and love; while at the same time, reaching out with charity, love, and kindness to help all those who are afflicted. Love, kindness and charity cannot be dictated by a government; yet, should flow naturally from hearts who truly follow Jesus Christ’s commands. If we as Christians, display God’s truth through our lives; others would desire to follow Him. I cannot mandate your life; but, I can display lovingly a life filled with hope and joy, so that; you will want to follow Jesus. He can then show you the way to a better life.

Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12

So, I must ask myself each day; “How can I best display Jesus to the world, today?”

A LIGHT OF HOPE WITHIN MY HEART

When I listen to the noise around me, I despair within; because, I hear so much anger, despair, and failure. I weep; because, I want to help so many and my own resources remain so limited. So many ministries I wish I could support, so many people I wish I could help; yet, my own sacrifices remain limited. Attempting to live as frugal as possible; still, so little I can do as one person. However, together; we all can change this world; beginning with daily turning to the only true hope through prayer and Bible study. So, I turn off the noise of the world and quietly go to my true war room–my place alone with God, who can transform it all and can guide my heart to do His will.

Who will protect me from the wicked? Who will be my shield? ¹⁷I would have died unless the Lord had helped me. ¹⁸I screamed, “I’m slipping, Lord!” and he was kind and saved me. Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer.

Will you permit a corrupt government to rule under your protection—a government permitting wrong to defeat right? ²Do you approve of those who condemn the innocent to death? No! The Lord my God is my fortress—the mighty Rock where I can hide. ²³God has made the sins of evil men to boomerang upon them! He will destroy them by their own plans. Jehovah our God will cut them off. Psalm 94:16-23 (TLB)

THE TRUE LIGHT OF HOPE IN AN ANGRY WORLD

You, see; I cannot change an angry, hostile heart; but, God can. The opposition, resist mentality cannot be changed by my responding in kind, with anger; however, God can open hearts to see truth. So, I bid you to join me each morning and each evening. Shut out the noise for a time and retreat to a place of prayer and Bible study, alone with God; then, step forth into the dark world as a beam of light and hope. God will show you the way and only He can truly protect our nation; as we turn our eyes once more on Him.

If you don’t know how to accept Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link, email me by clicking here or comment here

CONCLUDING TWEETS

[tweetthis]Time alone with God prepares us to be light shining into darkness[/tweetthis]

[tweetthis]Let me show you my truth of love, through my life actions; by God’s Grace[/tweetthis]

[bctt tweet=”A soft answer turns away wrath; yet, only God transforms hearts-let us pray!” username=”effiedarlene”]

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

I just released this new book dedicated to anyone who searched for love, lost a loved one, or felt the pangs of loneliness. Illustrated by Ronald Barba, this poem I wrote: tells the story of God’s ever abiding love even when facing tragedy and heartbreak. Available on Amazon.

RECOMMENDATION OF ARTIST

This is an original Drawing by an amazing artist. Check out his work: http://roninron.com .

You cannot copy or duplicate this picture without permission; because of copyright laws.

featured photograph at beginning of post by permission of https://unsplash.com/@aaronburden

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Living Bible (TLB)