Hope: the Light at the end of the Tunnel

I often wonder how people who don’t believe in God can have hope in their lives. With this in mind, I did a Google search about atheists and have selected two quotes which highlight their bleak outlook on life:

1. “Every life is a tragedy that ends in death and grief.” Oliver Markees Malloy. Novelist and comic artist.
2. “I existed like a stone, a plant, a microbe. I was just thinking…that here we are, all of us, eating and drinking, to preserve our precious existence and there’s nothing, nothing, absolutely no reason for existence.” Jean-Paul Sartre. Existential philosopher.

In case these quotes make you feel miserable, here are two biblical quotes to counter these depressing views of life:

1. “In his great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 3, v. 36
2. “In my Father’s house are many mansions; I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” John 4, v.1-3

Despair versus Hope

What a contrast: despair versus hope, defeat versus victory, a bleak view of life versus a triumphant one. It amazes and saddens me that more people don’t want to explore this road to victory. Perhaps some people become so swamped by life’s trials, hardships, and tragedies that they become disillusioned and even angry. They just live one miserable day at a time with the vague belief that things will get better. Living in this fallen world can indeed be difficult, sometimes intolerable. Disease, death, financial difficulties and bankruptcy, fires, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, relationship issues and breakups, separations and divorces. The list could go on.

But if you believe in Jesus, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Because God raised Jesus from the dead, we have a living hope. When He comes back to judge the world, He will take us to be with Him. Jesus never promised us that life on earth would be easy. But what He did promise was eternal rewards for those who believe in His name: for those whose sins have been covered by His very own blood; for those who can look at the cross and beyond to Jesus’ triumphant ascension and His victory over death. God has reserved for every believer who trusts in His son, His saving work on the cross, and His conquering of the grave, which is a special place in heaven.

Yes, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. There’s hope. There’s eternal life. Through my writing, I hope that in some very small way, I can sow a few seeds that will perhaps lead some people to Jesus.

Discover how God fills our lives with hope by reading these blogs:

• Finding Purpose in Times of Suffering: A Christian Perspective
• The Power of Gratitude
• The Significance of Fear in the Christian Life