People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. 28 Now, when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads because your redemption is drawing near. Luke 21: 26-28
Have you ever found yourself in a moment when hope felt out of reach, buried beneath the weight of a storm you were facing? I can imagine the despairing moment when everything seemed uncertain, and felt like the darkness would never lift.
In Today’s Reading, from Luke’s gospel, the passage draws our attention to two distinctive prophecy lenses: one of the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman armies in 70 A.D., the other of the second coming of Christ at the end of the time. Looking back, this passage is deeply relevant to our daily lives. It reminds us that even amidst chaos and destruction, redemption, renewal, and joy can be just around the corner. No matter how frightening life may seem, God’s care and protection are always nearby. Jesus uses signs from nature to point to this truth.
In times of chaos, whether it’s personal challenges, global crises, or the uncertainty of life, fear and doubt can often cloud our sense of peace. So, how can we hold on to hopein such moments?
- Sit in The Feeling: Embracing Your Emotions During the Storm
Amid a storm, it’s natural to want to push away difficult emotions like fear, sadness, or frustration. However, true hope often begins when you fully experience these emotions instead of avoiding them. By sitting in the feeling, you acknowledge your pain, uncertainty, and vulnerability, which can ultimately create space for healing and growth. This doesn’t mean you remain stuck in despair, but rather that we permit ourselves to feel without judgment. Doing so helps you move through the storm with a deeper sense of resilience, allowing hope to gradually emerge from accepting our emotions.
- Focus on What You Can Control
Focusing on what you can control is crucial in a world of unpredictable events. It might include your daily routine, your response to challenges, or your relationships. When external circumstances seem overwhelming, taking small, manageable actions can provide a sense of stability and purpose. Control over the little things empowers you to face the bigger uncertainties with a clearer mind.
- Practice Self-Care
In times of hardship, people often forget to prioritize themselves, becoming so consumed by external challenges that they neglect their well-being. Yet self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a vital necessity that helps restore energy, soothe minds, and restore balance.
Self-care can take many forms, from physical activities like exercise and adequate rest to emotional practices such as journaling, meditation, or therapy. By intentionally nurturing your body, mind, and spirit, you build a foundation that helps you face life’s chaos with greater resilience and clarity. Caring for yourself strengthens your ability to endure, heal, and find moments of peace even amidst the storms.
- Practice Gratitude
Focusing solely on what’s going wrong is easy when life feels overwhelming. However, practicing gratitude and focusing on the positive aspects of your life can significantly shift your mindset. It doesn’t mean ignoring hardship but making space for joy and thankfulness moments. Even in difficult times, finding small things to be grateful for can foster a sense of hope and remind us that there is always light, even in darkness.
- Seek Support from Others
Hope can often be rekindled through connection. During tough times, it’s vital to surround yourself with a supportive community—whether family, friends or a broader network of people who understand your struggles. Sharing your fears and hopes with others creates bonds of empathy and collective strength. Even in the darkest moments, knowing you are not alone can be a source of profound hope.
Conclusion:
Remaining hopeful amid chaos and turmoil is a challenging yet essential journey. We can stay grounded in hope by focusing on what we can control, remembering the larger purpose, nurturing our faith, seeking community support, practicing gratitude, building resilience, visualizing a brighter future, and taking action. In times of chaos, hope is not just about waiting for things to improve—it’s about finding meaning, purpose, and strength amid the storm.
Questions to Ponder?
How have I been handling the storms in my life?
What inner resources can I tap into when I am going through a difficult season?