It’s like in the great stories Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered.
Full of darkness and danger they were. And sometimes you didn’t want to know the end.
Because, how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad has happened? But in the end, it’s only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass.
A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer.
Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something, even if you were too small to understand why.
But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand now. Folk in those stories has lots of chances of turning back, only they didn’t. They kept going, because they were holding on to something.
That there is some good in this world, and it’s worth fighting for.
Sam speaking to Frodo on The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkein
The definition of hope according to the Merriam Webster Dictionary is, to cherish a desire with anticipation: to want something to happen or be true and also, someone or something on which hopes are centered. After the events that started in 2020, there have been lockdowns in many countries at different times throughout last year and even through the beginning of this year and it has been hard. Not only have we lost friends and family members by the virus but we need to take care of ourselves and have distance from others outside our families. Many have lost their jobs, and healthcare workers have given of their lives to save those who are sick.
Things can seem depressing or worrying. But in this world we can have Hope. If there is no hope we have no purpose and meaning to live this life. We might ask ourselves what do we hope for? A job you interviewed for, a text from a loved one, or like a child at christmas for that puppy they’ve been begging their parents for? Hope can help us make it through a tough and difficult present situation by making it more bearable, but can make us have a better life because we can envision what we want for the future, and helps take steps to make it happen.
This world is full of darkness and evil but the story doesn’t end there. There is a light and a hope we can trust in. His name is Jesus.
God’s only Son who came to this world and lived a holy life with no imperfections or sin and gave His life on a cross as a payment for our sins and give us salvation from eternal spiritual death and to give us life in the present and eternity. We may ask ourselves how can I be able to face a Holy God who will judge all of humanity in the end of times? I am not holy, I am a sinner. Sin is embedded in our DNA. How can we get rid of this evil. You may find yourself asking, why do I get angry, or why do I get envious of others, or why do I think these thoughts that are so evil, when I don’t want them? That is sin in ourselves. There is a way though.
If you direct your heart [on the right path]. And stretch out your hands to Him. If sin is in your hand, put it far away, [from you], And do not let wrongdoing dwell in your tents;
Then, indeed, you could lift up your face [to Him] without moral defect, And you would be firmly established and secure and not fear. For you would forget your trouble; You would remember it as waters that have passed by. And your life would be brighter than the noonday;
Darkness [then] would be like the morning. Then you would trust [with confidence], because there is hope; You would look around you and rest securely. You would lie down with no one to frighten you,
And many would entreat and seek your favor.
But the eyes of the wicked will fail, And they will not escape [the justice of God]; And their hope is to breathe their last [and die].
Job chapter 11 verses 13-20 in the Holy Bible AMP version.
So we must keep going! There is hope for the future. Stay on the right path and search for Him. Leave all sin and say no to it. Follow the word and works of Jesus. He is the only way to God.
He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you Except to be just, and to love [and to diligently practice] kindness (compassion), And to walk humbly with your God [setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness]?
Micah 6 verse 8 of the Holy Bible AMP version.
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Jesus quote from John 16 verse 33 Holy Bible NKJV version.
I hope this has encouraged you in some way. Like Sam said, “There is some good in this world, and it’s worth fighting for.” May God bless you!
SARARODMO 