“And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Romans 5:5
I’ve come to the realization I’m a sensitive person. And yes, it actually did take me 28 years to figure that out (or admit it). I can’t watch crime shows, or dramas, or horror movies. I just can’t handle them.
In high school, while on choir tour, I remember we were out with our billets and they decided to watch a horror movie. I had no way to escape, so I just took off my glasses and sat, pretending to watch. I can’t watch these types of things because I can’t keep them from taking over my thoughts, and once they are in my head I can’t get them out.
When I see a murder on a show, it just reminds me of the evil we human are capable of. When I see violence, I think of the people I love who have been hurt. I literally lose sleep over these thoughts. I will lie in bed upset and sad, feeling hopeless and helpless. What can I do to stop a murder? How I can I protect my loved ones from getting into abusive relationships? How can I stop all these bad things from happening? I can’t—it’s hopeless.
And yet, there is hope.
Sure, the world will never be perfect or without hurt, but there is hope beyond this world. This is the hope I cling to: that we are made right in God’s sight when we trust in Jesus; He will save us from death and give us eternal life; He will remove all our sorrows; He will take away death, crying, pain, and evil forever (Revelation 21:4).
The hope of what’s to come is the only way I can get through the hurts and the helplessness of this world. But it's more than just hope—it’s the strength I need not to give up.
I like the imagery in Romans 5:5: God poured out his love. It makes me feel like I am being filled up and am overflowing with His love and hope. With all His love and hope filling me and overflowing from me, there is no room for hopelessness. It is enough.
By Celia Kinney
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