A WORLD IN TURMOIL

4 | Protect Your Hope

WHY IT MATTERS

Anxiety over world turmoil can take a toll on people physically and emotionally. Many who have been affected by these events see no hope on the horizon. How do they react?

Some refuse even to think about the future.
Others escape their anxieties through alcohol or drugs.
A few conclude that death is preferable to life. “Why go on?” they ask.

What You Should Know

Some of the problems you face might be temporary and could change unexpectedly for the better.
Even if your situation does not change, there are things you can do that can help you deal with it.
The Bible provides genuine hope—a permanent solution to mankind’s problems.

What You Can Do Now

The Bible says: “Never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Each day has enough of its own troubles.”—Matthew 6:34.

Take one day at a time. Do not let anxieties about tomorrow keep you from handling today’s responsibilities.

Worrying about negative things that might happen will only add to your stress and weaken your hope for a better future.

HOW TO COPE—Helpful Tips

FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE

The Bible says: “All the days of the afflicted one are bad, but the one with a cheerful heart has a continual feast.” (Proverbs 15:15) A negative outlook can blind you to solutions that are readily available. In contrast, a positive attitude might help you think of ways to deal with your situation.

Limit the amount of time and attention you give to the news.
At the end of each day, list two or three things for which you can be thankful.
Make a to-do list, and include only what you can do today. Break down larger tasks into smaller ones so that you will see the results of your efforts at the end of the day.

GET SUPPORT

The Bible says: “Whoever isolates himself . . . rejects all practical wisdom.” (Proverbs 18:1) You cannot climb out of a deep pit by yourself, but with a helping hand, you can succeed.

Reach out to family members or friends for support.
Also, look for ways that you can help them. Doing things for others will help you keep your problems in perspective.
If you have lost hope and feel that life is not worth living, consider getting a medical checkup. Sometimes feeling overwhelmed is a symptom of a health disorder, such as depression. Many people have been helped by getting treatment.a

a Awake! does not endorse any particular health treatment.

The Bible Offers Genuine Hope

An ancient psalmist said in prayer to God: “Your word is a lamp to my foot, and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105) Consider how the Bible—God’s Word—is just that.

On a dark night, a lamp helps us decide where to walk. Likewise, the Bible contains practical wisdom that can guide us when we need to make a difficult decision.

A light can illuminate our path so that we can see what is farther ahead. In a similar way, the Bible can illuminate our view of what the future holds.