I shared the workplace lunchroom one day with a co-worker who held very little hope about society's future, and declared that he would never bring children into this world. A little later, he discussed his upcoming wedding plans. As I mused on this, it seemed odd that he doubted a better future, but also wanted to marry and enjoy a good life and family. I once heard a sportscaster say, after reporting on a serious injury, that an athlete "had his future ruined". How can anyone accurately predict that? Only God holds the future, and that attitude of fatalism can land someone in a puddle of discouragement.

The writer to the Hebrews addresses just such a gloomy spirit of pessimism and discouragement, and gives many ways to gain courage and not despair about the future.

Hebrews 12:12-15 – Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame might not be dislocated, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled. (NKJV)

I'm personally inspired by Canadians like Terry Fox, a cancer survivor, who ran a marathon of hope in the 1980s to raise awareness for cancer research, and Hélène Campbell, an organ donation activist who encourages people to donate organs to others upon death, so that others might live, even as she herself received two double-lung replacements.

I'm not suggesting that heroic self-sacrifice is the duty of all believers, but we are instructed to be actively involved in Jesus' kingdom by not giving in to discouragement and by not being careless about personal holiness and loving relationships. The Scripture emphasizes that holiness is essential for a close relationship with God. It's a growing desire to know Him and to be more like Him each day. This isn't a return to a set of religious rules to follow, but a vital inner life of prayer and trust in the Lord. Discouragement and bitterness can't survive in such an environment! As we remember God's grace extended to us, we can extend that grace to others also.

God's grace is an active thing; it surpasses the pain and hurts of yesterday, and we also need to be spiritually active. Are you feeling pessimistic about the future, where nothing can change and personal holiness doesn't matter? I urge you to seek God, to strengthen the hands that hang down and the feeble knees, and with His grace, to look forward to the year ahead with joy and praise.

Prayer: Dear Lord, may we grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Hour by hour and day by day, may we do our utmost to be humble, honest, and true, and to extend Your grace to all people. Amen.