What are your hopes in the midst of bad-news headlines in the world today?

News is full of threats of terrorist attacks, predictions of financial collapse, and alarming decline in morals. As if that isn’t enough, political and racial divides are increasingly hostile, and the integrity of the family unit is disintegrating. Many families people are struggling with their own crises.

It seems the world is spinning out of control. As individuals, what can we do? It seems hopeless. Must we move to a desert island or hide our head in the sand to find peace?

I’m reminded of the Matthew 14 account of the disciples in the boat, trying desperately to row across the lake, with the storm buffeting their boat so they could make no headway. Among them were fishermen who were accustomed to sudden storms on the sea, but even they were overwhelmed by the storm—until Jesus came to them, walking on the water.

Peter got out of the boat and walked to meet Him, but he sank when he took his eyes off Jesus and looked down at the waves.

Like Peter, as individuals, we are limited in what we can do to change the storm in the world around us. If we focus on the waves, we will be overcome by fear and will sink in despair and hopelessness.

But Peter didn’t drown. Instead, he lifted his eyes and his hand, crying out to Jesus, and Jesus lifted him up out of the waves. Furthermore, when Jesus got in the boat, the winds and waves calmed down.

Our hope is in the Lord. When it seems the world is falling apart or ready to self-destruct, He is still the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He is sovereign, the ruler of all, and more powerful than any calamity that can befall us.

It doesn’t matter whether our threat is from people who want to destroy us, the decline of our country because we’ve lost the way, a family crisis, or a combination of them all. If we cry out to Him, the almighty God will lift us out of the waves or give us peace in the midst of them.

The Lord is our rock, salvation, shield, fortress, refuge, stronghold, and deliverer (Ps. 18:2-3, 62:2). Furthermore, He “takes pleasure in those who fear him [and] hope in his steadfast love” (Ps. 147:11).

He will not forsake those who lean on Him. He will strengthen them to stand and to walk on the troubled waters. He is our bulwark in the storm.

Do not be dismayed. Hope in God does not disappoint. He is also worthy to be praised and is glorified through those who call upon Him.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Rom 15:13).