This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast.  – Hebrews 6:19 NASB

Once again we here at the 118th are facing a furlough and going home early without pay. For many of us ( including myself) this brings up all kinds of emotions. This is a time where we worry about paychecks, jobs, bills, and what is next for each of us. Just like in 2013 when the government shut down, we worry about when the government will begin again and what that means for each of us.

All this chaos got had me in prayer this morning. During my prayer time I began thinking about what it means to have hope in difficult times. What does it mean to have hope when the future looks uncertain.

Throughout my ministry, I have found there are few sadder sights on earth than the sight of a man or woman who has lost all hope.

In difficult times, hope can be elusive, but those who place their faith in God’s promises need never lose it. After all, God is good; His love endures; He has promised His children the gift of eternal life. God has promised to be with us no matter what may come. And, God keeps His promises.

Despite God’s promises, despite Christ’s love, and despite our countless blessings, we frail human beings can still lose hope from time to time. When we do, we need the encouragement of Christian friends, the life-changing power of prayer, and the healing truth of God’s Holy Word.

It was Jesus who promised, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” ( John 16:33 KJV). This world can be a place of trials and tribulations, but as believers, we are secure. God has promised us peace, joy, and eternal life. And, of course, God always keeps His promises. Always.

If you’re experiencing hard times, you’ll be wise to start spending more time with God. And if you do your part, God will do His part. Keeping holding onto hope and never be afraid to ask—for a miracle.

I think that during this difficult time we can still find reasons to hope. If we take a moment to stop and reflect, each of us are extremely blessed. Although we don’t know about the future we know that God has given us more than we could ever imagine. Even though we are worried about what will happen next, we have the promise from God that his love goes before us no matter what may come.

So I invite you during this difficult time to have faith. I invite you to trust that God will take care of each of you. I encourage you to spend some time in prayer for our country, for you colleagues, and for yourself. I hope and pray that each of you may find hope in the midst of the chaos.

My prayer for all of us is that no matter what may happen in Washington and beyond, that we will find hope and assurance that God will take care of it all. My hope today is not in people, or institutions or governments. Rather my hope is in a loving a compassionate God who goes before us and carries us during uncertain times.

May you find that hope today!!!

Blessings,

Chaplain Dunbar