I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed... We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently (Romans 8:18-25).

A few things have happened recently to make me groan once again with longing for the day when this world will be made new, when there will no more be sin or sorrow. I am weary of my selfish heart and I am weary of the rubbish in this world. We aren’t getting better as a human race and I’m tired of it right now. 

There is so much pain, hurt and fear in our lives and that’s just for those fortunate to live in a non war-torn land. This world is broken and messed up. There are beautiful moments in the midst of that but they aren’t enough to give meaning if this is all there is. I can’t see it any other way, but please tell me if you can. I’d love to know how.

Hope 

That I believe Jesus is coming back means, for me, that there will one day be a world of no pain, no tears, no warfare, no violence, and everything sad will come untrue. I believe we’ll have the option of living in a never-ending world with our Maker, unable to hurt Him or each other anymore. That I believe this means I can stumble on in this world. It means that there is hope. It brings meaning to my everyday world. It means I can endure hardship. It means that there is hope for those who don’t get what they really want in this life. It means broken friendships here will be made new there. It means that we will see loved ones again.

It also means every knee will bow before the King of Kings, Jesus himself. Either a terrifying reality or a wonderful joy. It may be both – a fearsome prospect only to find that He lifts our head, looks deep into our eyes and we finally can believe the truth that we are loved.

The One Who Came

If that isn't true then I can’t see any point to this life. Tell me, where the hope is when you look around at the world? How does anyone make sense of it with no wonderful ending?

In the midst of our weary, painful lives there is for me the reality of The One who has come into this world and that, I think, stops us despairing entirely. However much we don’t understand of the suffering we experience here there will be a day when it will be taken away forever. Until then all we have is wet eyes, a broken heart and sometimes real joy knowing that Jesus has come and will come again. I can’t make sense of the world any other way.

Christmas 

Christmas reminds me of this reality. It reminds me that extraordinary things can happen, that the barren woman will rejoice, that the lonely will be put into families, that the blind will see, the deaf hear and the lame walk. One day our husband will come for his bride. One day we will feast on aged meat and fine wine. One day we will laugh and cry with relief. This life will seem like a bad dream as we see our world renewed and dancing for joy.

I can’t see the meaning without that future awaiting us.

This article was originally posted on The Long Walk Home and is used with kind permission.

How does this compare with your own struggles when you look at this messed up world? 

Does the Christmas story help or is it too easy an answer?