Finding Hope in a Turbulent World

By Alisa Massey

The world needs hope now more than ever as addiction, depression, and suicide are at an all-time high. As confusion and disarray invade our minds, God is our greatest hope against such vicious attacks that threaten to destroy our identities, our families, and our communities. The world offers a false sense of hope, but the God of the Universe ca

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
• Release date: Jan 7, 2020
• ISBN: 9781640885769

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Finding Hope in a Turbulent World

Alisa Massey

Trilogy Christian Publishers

Tustin, CA

Trilogy Christian Publishers

A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Trinity Broadcasting Network

2442 Michelle Drive

Tustin, CA 92780

Copyright © 2019 by Alisa Massey

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) taken from The Holy Bible, King James Version. Cambridge Edition: 1769.

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever.

For information, address Trilogy Christian Publishing

Rights Department, 2442 Michelle Drive, Tustin, Ca 92780.

Trilogy Christian Publishing/ TBN and colophon are trademarks of Trinity Broadcasting Network.

For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Trilogy Christian Publishing.

Manufactured in the United States of America

Trilogy Disclaimer: The views and content expressed in this book are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views and doctrine of Trilogy Christian Publishing or the Trinity Broadcasting Network.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available.

ISBN 978-1-64088-575-2

ISBN 978-1-64088-576-9 (ebook)

Contents

Preface vii

Acknowledgements xv

Introduction xvii

Chapter 1. Hope in a Higher Calling 1

Chapter 2. Hope in Boldness 9

Chapter 3. Hope in Change 17

Chapter 4. Hope in Our Design 23

Chapter 5. Hope in The Great I Am 31

Chapter 6. Hope in Positive Words 37

Chapter 7. Hope in God’s Promises 47

Chapter 8. Hope in Salvation 55

Chapter 9. Hope in Seeking God First 63

Chapter 10. Hope in Wise Counsel 75

Chapter 11. Hope in Praise 83

Chapter 12. Hope in God’s Perfect Timing 91

Chapter 13. Hope in Gratitude 99

Chapter 14. Hope in Blessing 107

Chapter 15. Hope in Healing 117

Chapter 16. Hope in Living Fearless 123

Chapter 17. Hope in Comfort 131

Chapter 18. Hope in Miracles 139

Chapter 19. Hope in Asking God 147

Chapter 20. Hope in God’s Mercy 153

Chapter 21. Hope in Confidence 161

Chapter 22. Hope in Forgiveness 169

Chapter 23. Hope in Health 175

Chapter 24. Hope in Love 183

Chapter 25. Hope in Generosity 191

Chapter 26. Hope in The Holy Spirit’s Guidance 199

Chapter 27. Hope in God’s Word 207

Chapter 28. Hope in Prayers 219

Chapter 29. Hope in Death 231

Chapter 30. Hope in Grief 243

Chapter 31. Hope in Hope Everlasting 253

Chapter 32. Hope for Today 261

Conclusion 269

Bibliography 275

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you

trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope

by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Romans 15:13

Preface

Most people show up for their own birthday party. At least until you hit forty at which point you decide to get yourself one of those silly balloons that reads Happy 40th! At this point you may decide to throw your own party, or you are forced into it with a surprise bash. But me, I had no excuse. I was blessed my family even decided to acknowledge my twenty-seventh birthday after my heaping mess of a life. I’m sure they felt sorry for me. After all, I had no friends and felt and acted like my life had no purpose. That day, on my twenty-seventh birthday, I chose to turn my phone off and hide beneath the covers just like I chose to put all my dreams on hold until further notice.

The sunlight streamed in the window as I laid in bed with the door shut. I dreaded this day like I dreaded gatherings of any kind. Most of the time I wasn’t fearful of the company but rather my presence among them. Hot mess and all, my family still expected me to at least show up. Yet this time I just couldn’t. I felt so bad physically and mentally I wanted to die. I tossed and turned in my messy bed as the anxiety made me think I was having a heart attack. How could I possibly show up among family and act like everything was okay? Everything was not okay, and I was in no mood or mental state to discuss the matter. Once again, I chose to shut out the world rather than face it. Throughout this mayhem, the feeling of hopelessness swept over me like a whirlwind taking me far away from the good life God promised me.

Our late twenties and thirties are the vibrant years we get excited about small wonders and we learn hard lessons independent of mom and dad. In these years of discovery, we get excited about dorm rooms and small apartments or buying wedding attire. For others such as myself who always go against the tide, we get discouraged when our own plans don’t pan out, and we give up all together. We get sucked in by the violent wind storm and lose sight of our vision. Despite the sudden halt the clock keeps ticking and God waits patiently for us to wake up so we can resume His plan.

For so long I chose to stay hidden behind closed doors. That is, unless alcohol was involved. Honestly, I didn’t know where or how to find help, and if that is you today, I want you to know you can find all the help you need from Jesus who will provide you with the right people to guide in your pursuit for more.

Anxiety and fear had become a constant reality for me. I walked in a circle with no exit as I longed for relief. The terror I experienced as a result of addiction and panic attacks resulted in my long bout of hopelessness throughout most of my twenties. As much as I tried to crawl under a rock, my seclusion only drove me deeper into desolation causing me to down more Budweiser, smoke more stale cigarettes, and pop more Xanax. Dad later told me he feared for my life. My puffy face and slurred speech gave it away, I’m sure. If I didn’t find help soon, I would be hiding in a lonely grave instead of my cozy bedroom.

What a sad state that any of us should feel like we need to hibernate when there are so many beautiful things to see in the world. Yet people hide from their issues all the time. Whether through addictions of all sorts or trying to be someone they’re not. I held myself caged in like a wild animal, but my warped thinking is what held me prisoner the most.

Much of my false thinking stemmed from my feelings of hopelessness. Therefore, I began to sink. The more despondent I felt the more I drifted farther and farther away from the truth. The deceiver Satan had me in a position to drown me. Yet I mustered up the strength before it was too late and accepted the help that was offered. What help do you need to accept today?

As I reached out for help my life-support Jesus Christ was well on His Way, ready to pick me up.

God showed up by sending me to a loving, Christ-centered environment. God worked through numerous people at my recovery home Van’s House. I was surrounded by people every day that I could relate to; people who showed numerous compassion and love because they too underwent similar trials. I wished I never wasted so many years on a drunken stupor. But I refuse to live in a sea of regret. Instead I choose to replace disappointment with hope.

God in His grace and mercy never gave up on me, just like he will never give up on you. He’s waiting for you to reach out. I certainly fell way below God’s best for me and frustrated my family. As a salutatorian and most studious who had a bright future ahead of her, my family expected more of me. What matters now is that God’s saving grace rescued me and now I can inspire others for change. I hope that change for you involves God because as a recovering alcoholic, I can tell you that nothing else will bring more fulfillment in your life than Jesus. God should never be a last resort but if that’s the only way we reach out for help then so be it.

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

1 Peter 4:12-14

Sometimes the enemy may appear to be winning and the hard times are proof. The only real evidence you need is in the Bible which says that the Enemy has come to kill, steal and destroy but Jesus has come so that you may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). The physical, mental, and spiritual battles are not over yet because we are still breathing. Here’s your sign! There are days our breathing may be slow and agonizing, but there is always hope for resuscitation. Just make sure you get it from the right source.

Restoration from God will always come right on time and we are relieved to discover that hope is still alive. God already knows we’ll grow weary of this life and is aware of all our future mishaps. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Although our lives are interchangeable, we can always be certain that God’s goodness remains the same today and every day, He does not change like the shifting of shadows.

The tides may change as they often do but God will always love us. Why else would God send His one and only Son to die for our transgressions when we are the ones who choose to walk away? God has not given up on us because He knows our true potential. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

We are made in God’s image, yet the world distorts our view. How do we discover who we are and what we are truly capable of with reoccurring hard times? In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one (Ephesians 6:16). How do we find rest from this crazy world that is falling apart? I don’t know about you, but I get tired of the constant battle that wages war with my soul.

Get your hopes up! We can find rest from the weight that is pulling us down. Our Savior Jesus is stronger than the world and helps build us back up so we can take on the world. Jesus said it perfectly:

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30

There are so many issues in the world that people need help with such as suicide, addiction, homelessness, and the list goes on and on. Relying on today’s generation for hope we are left starving to die on a dark, empty street. We don’t find hope in our possessions, celebrities, addictions, or Facebook. We find our hope in God.

What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? (Matthew 16:26).

God sent his one and only Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross at Calvary so that we may have hope. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33). Even in the midst of a broken world, we find hope in the One who saved us from corruption. With Christ as our pilot we can forever thrive, soaring through the bumpy skies.

Trust God for your navigation who is unchanging and omnipresent and promises to never leave. God has our best interest at heart. Even if we cannot see that now, we soon will. For we live by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Trusting in God ensures that we will reach our God-given destiny. Entrust Christ with your whole life, not just parts of it. Don’t put your hope in criticizing people or the extravagant vacation. Eventually, our vacation is over and it’s back to reality. Let go of temporary fixes. It’s time to get to the root of your problems and live up to your fullest potential. It’s your time for a turnaround with Jesus that’s going to far exceed your expectations. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away (Matthew 24:35).

One of the greatest things I’ve learned through my pain is that no matter how hard life gets God always comes through in the nick of time. Because I choose to put my trust in God I now live in peace and joy. A stark contrast to the fear that kept me locked inside. Now, I’m excited about the future and I thrive in expectation of what’s to come. The world no longer frazzles me, thank God. My prayer is that you will have abundant hope as well. My hope for you is that no matter what happens in this cruel world, you can enjoy life today and live in expectation of your bright future because of your close relationship with the King.

Back to birthdays and the age dilemma. As I approach forty, I feel younger than ever. Age is only a number as they say. You can be twenty-five years old and feel over the hill. When I was twenty-five, I already had enough of the stress and the worry, the cruelness and the negativity. Heck, I had enough of myself. Thankfully, things are much better than the good ole’ days and I feel as though God has renewed my youth like the eagles. I embrace my past for the lessons learned and I welcome the great things rising on the horizon. I don’t feel as though I’m climbing over the hill only to return back down. Instead, I approach the mountaintop to rise above it. I found the good news I’ve been searching for in Jesus Christ. Thanks to Jesus, we all can sky rocket above Mount Everest and find hope in a turbulent word.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:31).

Acknowledgements

This book is dedicated to my children Hayden, Ally, Andi, Braxton and Paisley, to my husband, Dusty, to my father, Frank Humphries, to Aunt Linda and Uncle Dennis, Grandma Don and Donna, Grandma Sue, Aunt Roberta and Bob, Tom and David, Aunt Karen, Billy and Holly, Steve Foos, Justin Hoddy, Uncle Jay, my two brothers Derrick and Chad, and brother-in-law Jack, Ally and Ray, Ernie and Debbie, Joey, Kendra, Bailey, Natalie and Lane, Scott and Sally, and my best friend Amy.

May you forever find hope in God because the best is yet to come. I expect to be with each one of you forever in Paradise. Choose this day to end your journey well by living for Christ today.

Introduction

This book is a supplement of my devotional Finding Hope in a Turbulent World. You don’t have to read the devotional to get value from this book. This book is simply the more practical, expanded version. I extended the devotional to make the lessons and stories you read more applicable to your everyday life. Each entry starts off with a scripture followed by an entry from the devotional. Next, as I explain the entry further with practical insight from daily life in addition to biblical truths. The last paragraph of each entry is another section from the devotional followed by additional scripture and finally a prayer to help you apply what you learn.

We can apply the hope of Christ to the many issues we face each day. There are so many things in this life contesting for our attention that we often forget that God’s hand is in everything. Or maybe we’re not aware of God’s hand to begin with. The Bible says that God is with us all the time (Isaiah 41:10) but so often we lost sight of his presence.

I hope this book serves as a reminder that through everything and in everything we can expect better things to come. But we must believe it. In the struggle, in the pain, and in the waiting, we put our hope in Christ because according to scripture God is working all things out for our good. (Romans 8:28). Use this book as your guide to find hope and direction to your current life so that you can live a more joy-filled life. If we can hang on with hope, we will eventually get it.

Chapter 1

Hope in a Higher Calling

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves. Children are a heritage from the Lord, Offspring a reward from him.

(Psalm 127:1–3)

I knew you before you were born and formed you in your mother’s womb. I watched you grow and did not hold back My plan from your life. Then the world grabbed hold of you, trying to lead you astray. Always I bring opportunity for you to come to My most holy place down a path never ending to fields of glory. On your way to this indescribable place, you must not lose yourself to the world because this is exactly what the enemy wants. You must learn to find the magnificent person I have created for you in a world gone astray. Love is the central force that leads the way, and you can only find this love from Me and My son Jesus Christ. Surround yourself with love to the best of your ability, but most of all surround yourself in trusting in My holy Word that will bring you to your higher calling. This higher calling lies within you and, once it is accepted, will infiltrate your entire being and come with you to eternity. (Excerpt from Finding Hope in a Turbulent World: A 90-Day Devotional)

Remember being asked what you wanted to be as a child? What was your response? When we were young, we dreamed of what we will be. Most often, it’s not until we are older and have been through turbulent waters that our higher calling is unveiled.

God has a specific