Isaiah Tells Christians How to Face Tough Times
Biblical Prophet Says Believers Have a Secure Future With God
Apr 29, 2009
With the economic crisis – repossessed cars and homes, skyrocketing unemployment, and tightened credit – a cloud of doom and gloom seems to hover over much of the world. These are the times when many people feel like life is too difficult. When people feel hopeless they often respond in one of two extreme ways: depression or hedonism.
Eat, Drink and be Merry
Hedonism, the pursuit of pleasure, is an "if it feels good, do it" philosophy of life. It is an attempt to escape from an overwhelmingly negative reality by living a fantasy. It is living as if having fun will make things better even if the circumstances don’t change.
A hedonistic attitude may result in endless rounds of parties, frequent drunkenness, or other addictions to substances or to activities like computer games or pornography. People who utilize this coping mechanism are dodging the underlying issues, but they may tell themselves that they see life as a “glass half full.”
Depression Makes People Feel Overwhelmed by Life
Depression is the “glass half empty” perspective. Depression may be manifested in many ways; and, no two people manifest depression in the exact same way. It is often characterized by a change in eating patterns – repeatedly eating more or less than normal – often resulting in weight gain or loss in a short period of time.
Other symptoms of depression include a change in sleep patterns (sleeping a lot or sleeplessness), unprovoked crying, a reduction in normal activities, and withdrawal from friends and family. Feelings of despair, anxiety, and stress are overwhelming.
Biblical Answers Provide Hope for the Future
The prophet Isaiah lived in a time of turmoil and war, situations that engendered just these same reactions. In fact, when explaining the attitude of the people around him, he said, [they say] "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die." (Isaiah 28:7)
Isaiah saw what was happening to his country as a consequence of the people’s rebellion, they had turned their backs on God. For decades the people had turned to other nations, instead of God, for help. They worshiped idols rather than the God who had brought them out of Egypt. Moral depravity permeated their culture. Isaiah writes about how to live in such a time. He had an answer — a message from God — to the problems that the people around him were facing.
“God's not finished. He's waiting around to be gracious to you. He's gathering strength to show mercy to you. God takes the time to do everything right — everything. Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones.” (Isaiah 30:18, The Message)
Isaiah’s message of hope is as appropriate today as it was 2700 years ago. He said that people should fix their eyes on the coming of God. The current difficulties are only temporary. At some point in the future, people who trust in God will have new lives in rebuilt cities in a world where God’s laws prevail and there is no sin, sickness or death. Not everyone will enjoy this new life of peace and bliss. It is for those who turn from sin and rebellion and choose to follow God.
The economic crisis has piled extra pressure on the lives of many people who were already feeling stressed. When life seems hopeless, people respond in one of three ways:
- Accepting the situation, knowing that it won’t last forever;
- Living for the sake of pleasure, refusing to think or deal with the tough reality, and;
- Becoming depressed and unable to cope.
Isaiah urges Christians to focus on God’s promises and take heart, making the future a bright one.
For more encouraging words and warnings from Isaiah, the Old Testament prophet, also see God Wants to Provide for the Needs of Christians, Christians Can Trust God for All That’s Needed, and The Prophet Isaiah, God’s Faithful Spokesman.
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