Hope & Bible

 Thanks to Christy for sharing these with me.

Are you optimistic about the future? Many people try to remain positive despite the serious problems we face today. But can we realistically expect things to get better? Yes! The Bible gives us a solid hope for a better tomorrow.

 What hope does the Bible provide?

 Is the hope the Bible offers us too good to be true?

 How will this hope come about?

When will this hope be fulfilled?

 How can the hope the Bible offers us help you today?

 What hope does the Bible provide?

The Bible acknowledges that humankind faces tremendous problems. However, it promises that these problems will not afflict us indefinitely. Consider a few specific examples.

Problem: Homelessness

What the Bible says: “They will build houses and live in them.”—Isaiah 65:21.

What it means for the future: People will enjoy their own home.

Problem: Unemployment and poverty

What the Bible says: “The work of their hands my chosen ones will enjoy to the full.”—Isaiah 65:22.

What it means for the future: All humans will have satisfying, enjoyable, and rewarding work.

Problem: Injustice

What the Bible says: “Princes will rule for justice.”—Isaiah 32:1.

What it means for the future: Racial, social, and economic injustice will be eradicated forever. Everyone will be treated fairly.

Problem: Malnutrition and Hunger

What the Bible says: “There will be an abundance of grain on the earth; on the top of the mountains it will overflow.”—Psalm 72:16.

What it means for the future: Everyone will have access to an abundance of healthy food. No one will go to bed hungry or suffer from malnutrition.

Problem: Crime and violence

What the Bible says: “They will sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, and no one will make them afraid.”—Micah 4:4.

What it means for the future: Everyone will feel safe and secure because wicked people will be gone, and “the righteous will possess the earth.”—Psalm 37:10, 29.

Problem: War

What the Bible says: “Nation will not lift up sword against nation, nor will they learn war anymore.”—Isaiah 2:4.

What it means for the future: Peace will prevail earth wide. (Psalm 72:7) No one will need to mourn the death of a loved one killed in war or seek refuge from war zones.

Problem: Sickness and disease

What the Bible says: “No resident will say: ‘I am sick.’”—Isaiah 33:24.

What it means for the future: People will no longer suffer from disabilities or get sick. (Isaiah 35:5, 6) The Bible even promises that “death will be no more.”—Revelation 21:4.

Problem: Damage to the environment

What the Bible says: “The wilderness and the parched land will exult, and the desert plain will be joyful and blossom as the saffron.”—Isaiah 35:1.

What it means for the future: The earth will become a global paradise for humans to inhabit, as God originally intended.—Genesis 2:15; Isaiah 45:18.

 Is the hope the Bible offers us too good to be true?

Understandably, you may feel that it is. However, we encourage you to examine further what the Bible says about the future. Why? The promises found in the Bible are different from the promises and predictions that people make. The promises found in the Bible are from God. Here is why that makes a big difference:

God is trustworthy. The Bible says that God “cannot lie.” (Titus 1:2) In addition, only God has the ability to foretell the future. (Isaiah 46:10) The Bible contains countless examples that prove that what God foretells always comes true. For more information, watch the video How Can We Be Sure the Bible Is True?

God has the power to solve our problems. The Bible says that God has the power to do “everything he pleases to do.” (Psalm 135:5, 6) In other words, nothing can stop God from fulfilling his promises. What is more, God wants to help us because he loves us.—John 3:16.

Naturally, you may wonder, ‘If God wants to help us and has the power to help us, why do we still experience so many problems?’ To answer that question, watch the video Why Does God Allow Suffering?

 How will this hope come about?

God will use his Kingdom, a government in heaven, to fulfill his promises. He has appointed Jesus Christ as Ruler of that Kingdom, and he has given him authority to care for the earth and the people on it. When Jesus was on earth, he cured the sick, fed the hungry, controlled the weather, and even resurrected the dead. (Mark 4:39; 6:41-44; Luke 4:40; John 11:43, 44) He thus showed what he would do as King of God’s Kingdom.

Watch the video 'What Is God’s Kingdom?' to learn more about how God’s Kingdom will benefit you.

 When will this hope be fulfilled?

Soon! How can we be sure? The Bible foretold events that would signal that God’s Kingdom is about to begin its rule over the earth. (Luke 21:10, 11) Present world conditions match what the Bible foretold.

 How can the hope the Bible offers us help you today?

One Bible writer compared the hope that the Bible gives to an “anchor for the soul.” (Hebrews 6:19) Just as an anchor keeps a ship steady during a storm, the Bible’s solid hope for the future can help us weather the problems we face today. Our hope can protect our emotional and mental stability, and even our physical well-being - 1 Thessalonians 5:8

Has living under the threat of COVID-19 begun to wear you down? If so, you are not alone. For months, people around the globe have had to adapt to living under the threat of this pandemic. Many “have made huge sacrifices to contain COVID-19,” says Dr. Hans Kluge, World Health Organization Regional Director for Europe. “In such circumstances it is easy and natural to feel apathetic and demotivated, to experience fatigue.”

If you are experiencing what is being called pandemic fatigue, take courage. The Bible is helping many to cope with life during this stressful time. It can help you too.

 What is pandemic fatigue?

 Why is pandemic fatigue serious?

 What Bible principles can help you to beat pandemic fatigue?

 Bible verses to help with pandemic fatigue

 What is pandemic fatigue?

Pandemic fatigue is not a medical condition but is a term used to describe the natural response people feel to the prolonged uncertainty and disruption caused by a pandemic. While each person reacts differently, some common signs of pandemic fatigue include:

Lack of motivation

Changes in eating or sleeping habits

Irritability

Stress over tasks that would normally be handled well

Difficulty concentrating

Feelings of hopelessness

 Why is pandemic fatigue serious?

Pandemic fatigue poses a serious threat to our safety and that of others. If we do not battle it, we may gradually begin to lose our motivation to follow COVID-safe practices. Over time, we may become complacent about the virus, even while it continues to spread and kill. Tired of living under restrictions, we may seek greater freedom, which could put us and others at risk.

During these stressful times, many are experiencing the truth of what the Bible says: “If you become discouraged in the day of distress, your strength will be meager.” (Proverbs 24:10) The Bible offers principles that can help us cope with discouraging situations, including this pandemic.

 What Bible principles can help you to beat pandemic fatigue?

Stay at a distance physically—but not socially

What the Bible says: “A true friend . . . is born for times of distress.”—Proverbs 17:17.

Why it matters: True friends build us up. (1 Thessalonians 5:11) In contrast, prolonged isolation puts our health at risk.—Proverbs 18:1.

Try this: Stay connected with your friends through video chats, phone calls, or e-mail and text messages. Reach out to friends when you are having a bad day, and regularly check in to see how they are doing. Exchange tips on what is helping you to cope during the pandemic. Find ways to do something kind for a friend, and you will make a bad day feel better.

What some have said

Megan.

“I try to make plans to have a videoconference with friends. Sometimes we get together one-on-one. At other times, it’s fun to get a group together to play a game or just to catch up. Even though it’s not quite the same as meeting in person, it really helps. The pandemic has made life hard, so it’s important to reach out to our friends and be honest about how we feel. It can be difficult to do, but we all need help.”—Megan, Canada.

Nathan and Emma with their children, Eli and Hope.

“We miss our family and friends, but we have found ways to reassure them of our love. As a family, we made cards and small gift bags for many of our friends and included an encouraging Bible verse to let them know that we were thinking of them. This brought us so much joy! Spending time doing things for others helps us forget our own worries and anxieties.”—Emma with her husband, Nathan, and children, Eli and Hope, United States.

Make the best of your current circumstances

What the Bible says: “[Make] the best use of your time.”—Ephesians 5:16.

Why it matters: Using your time wisely can help you to stay positive and avoid excessive worry.—Luke 12:25.

Try this: Rather than focus on what you can no longer do, look for ways that you can take advantage of your situation. For example, are there projects that you now have time for or hobbies that you can now pursue? Can you spend more time with your family?

What some have said

Evan and Samantha with their children, Eli and Adam.

“We’ve been able to do a lot of additional projects around the house, including growing vegetables and herbs, doing art projects, and decorating.”—Evan with his wife, Samantha, and their children, Eli and Adam, South Africa.

Ivan and Eve.

“My wife and I have spent more time together than at any other period of our 30-year marriage. It has deepened our love for each other, as we’ve come to appreciate each other’s frailties and strengths as never before. We are now better prepared to support each other during future crises.”—Ivan with his wife, Eve, Italy.

Stick to a routine

What the Bible says: “Let all things take place . . . by arrangement.”—1 Corinthians 14:40.

Why it matters: Many people tend to feel more settled and happier when they have a general routine.

Try this: Make a schedule that reflects your current situation. Set aside specific times to do schoolwork, secular work, and household chores as well as times to take care of your spirituality. Include other healthy activities, such as spending time with family, being outdoors, and exercising. Periodically review your schedule, and revise it as necessary.

What some have said

Kgaogelo.

“I’ve kept almost the same routine that I had before the pandemic. I’ve replaced some of my normal activities with exercise, but I still get up at the same time in the morning. My routine takes my mind off of the pandemic and helps me to concentrate more on my family and friends.”—Kgaogelo, South Africa.

Carmel.

“I like to get up and make my breakfast and coffee as usual. Then I get ready and fix myself up as if I were leaving the house. This has helped me to feel good about myself and to be more alert throughout the day.”—Carmel, France.

Adapt to changing seasons

What the Bible says: “The shrewd one sees the danger and conceals himself.”—Proverbs 22:3.

Why it matters: Depending on where you live, changing seasons may reduce your opportunities to get fresh air and sunlight, which are good for your physical and mental health.

Try this: If winter is approaching, try to adjust your living room or work area to maximize sunlight. Plan outdoor activities you will be able to do despite the colder weather. If possible, obtain winter clothes that will let you spend more time outside.

If summer is approaching, people will spend more time outdoors, so be safe. Plan where you will go, and choose times when crowds will not be there.

What some have said

Sameena.

“I live in a rainy climate, so a flexible routine helps. As soon as I see some sun, my goal is to go outside quickly. Even a short walk or bike ride in the sunshine does a lot for my mood.”—Sameena, France.

Tiffany.

“The summer was easier to deal with because there were opportunities to do things outside, but now as winter approaches, I am making a list of inside projects that I want to work on.”—Tiffany, Canada.

Continue to practice COVID-safe behavior

What the Bible says: “The stupid one is reckless and overconfident.”—Proverbs 14:16.

Why it matters: COVID-19 is deadly, and we risk infection if we let down our guard.

Try this: Regularly check reliable local guidelines and consider whether you are still being cautious. Focus on how your actions will affect you, your family, and others.

What some have said

Daryn.

“I am doing my part to stop the spread. Although others ignore regulations, I focus on what I can do to keep myself and my family safe.”—Daryn, South Africa.

Strengthen your relationship with God

What the Bible says: “Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.”—James 4:8.

Why it matters: God can help you to cope with any challenge.—Isaiah 41:13.

Try this: Read a portion of God’s Word, the Bible, each day. This Bible-reading plan can help you get started.

Why not contact Jehovah’s Witnesses to learn how you can benefit from the arrangements they have made to continue meeting during the COVID-19 pandemic? For example, worldwide they have been using videoconferencing for their congregation meetings, annual commemoration of Jesus’ death, and annual convention.

What some have said

Roberto.

“I’ve been using some of my extra time to read the Bible. It builds my confidence and trust in Jehovah’s * promises. I can see how bright the future really is.”—Roberto, Italy.

Alta and Jannie.

“My husband and I read the Bible together and make it a point to memorize scriptures. Prayer, Bible reading, and sharing the Bible’s hope with others gives us the strength to cope with our situation.”—Alta and her husband, Jannie, South Africa.

 Bible verses to help with pandemic fatigue

Isaiah 30:15: “Your strength will be in keeping calm and showing trust.”

Meaning: Trusting in God’s advice can help us to stay calm during difficult times.

Proverbs 15:15: “All the days of the afflicted one are bad, but the one with a cheerful heart has a continual feast.”

Meaning: Focusing on positive things can help us to be happy even during difficult times.

Proverbs 14:15: “The naive person believes every word, but the shrewd one ponders each step.”

Meaning: Heed health precautions, and do not be quick to believe that such restrictions are unnecessary.

Isaiah 33:24: “No resident will say: ‘I am sick.’”

Meaning: God promises to put an end to all forms of sickness