Yes, Our Country Is in Crisis. What Can We Do About It?
As I exercise on the treadmill, I often watch the latest news scroll across the screen. More often than not, I come away discouraged. The responses to our nation’s crises seem superficial and ineffective—heated debates, protests, calls for stricter laws, or simply “vote the bums out.” While these responses may have their place, they rarely address the deeper issues.
It feels as though one crisis follows another, each striking closer to home and shaking the very foundations of our society. It’s easy to become overwhelmed.
Many people wrestle with these feelings, including those who have never placed their faith in Jesus Christ. Because so many issues have become heavily politicized, it can be difficult to separate the real problem from the proposed solutions. But beneath every national crisis lies something even more fundamental: individual hearts in need of change.
That is where I want to focus our attention. What hope do we have? And how can we share that hope with the people God has placed around us?
The Real Problem—and the Only Lasting Solution
As Christians, we know the root of every crisis: the sinful human heart living in rebellion against its Creator. While problems may appear economic, political, or social on the surface, they ultimately flow from our broken relationship with God.
Because of that, the only lasting solution is redemption through Jesus Christ.
Human solutions often focus on appearances rather than transformation. They may provide temporary relief or symbolic victories, but they cannot change the human heart. As a result, people often lose confidence that any real solution exists.
This doesn’t mean our problems are simple or that practical action isn’t necessary. Many situations are complicated and require patience, wisdom, and long-term effort. But lasting hope begins by identifying the true problem and pointing people to the only Savior who can truly change lives.
Are We Living as People of Hope?
Sometimes even Christians forget the power of the gospel.
When we lose sight of the good news, it’s easy to be pulled into the same fear, anger, and despair that dominate the headlines. Worse, we become so focused on national events that we overlook the very real struggles of the people living next door.
The crises on television may not affect our neighbors directly, but they still experience fear, uncertainty, loneliness, illness, financial hardship, and broken relationships. Their need for hope is just as real.
Looking Next Door
Our elderly neighbors recently lost their health. Their son, who is dealing with chronic back pain and unemployment, has been driving two hours each weekend to care for them. For more than eight weeks, he has been transporting laundry, medications, and other necessities to the rehabilitation facility where his parents are staying.
By the world’s standards, their future appears uncertain. Difficult decisions lie ahead. Significant sacrifices will likely be required. Much of what this couple built over forty years of marriage may be lost. Understandably, fear and discouragement have become constant companions.
So what can we do?
Our family has tried to minister both practically and spiritually. We’ve helped with late-night errands and visits. We’ve prayed with the son and his parents for wisdom, healing, and God’s provision. We continue looking for opportunities to share the gospel more fully.
In the meantime, we try to season our conversations with reminders of God’s goodness, His faithfulness, and His work even in painful circumstances. We’ve shared meals together whenever he’s in town. As we’ve gotten to know him better, he has even generously helped us with needed car repairs.
This is what loving our neighbors looks like.
Remember the Hope We Have
I don’t believe these encounters are accidental. I believe God is at work in this family’s life.
In our own small and imperfect ways, we have the privilege of participating in what He is doing. Our confidence isn’t rooted in favorable circumstances but in the certain hope we have through Christ.
Brothers and sisters, we have every reason for hope.
Just yesterday we celebrated Easter. We gathered for worship, dressed in our Sunday best, and watched our children hunt for eggs. But what were we truly celebrating?
Victory.
Jesus Christ is risen.
Death has been defeated.
Sin has been conquered.
Because our Savior lives, we can face a broken world with confidence instead of fear. We know both the deepest problem facing humanity and God’s perfect solution. There is no uncertainty about that.
God has called us to be His witnesses.
What an incredible privilege—to speak confidently about the hope found in Christ to people who are watching the very same news and asking the very same questions.
What You Can Do
Remember where your hope is found.
Don’t allow the headlines to steal your confidence. Our hope rests not in governments, elections, or cultural trends, but in the risen Christ.
Know your neighbors.
Take time to learn their stories. Ask about their struggles. Listen well. Many people are far more willing to share than we realize. Pray with them and for them, trusting God’s sovereign care in every circumstance.
Love people intentionally.
Look for practical ways to serve those around you. Enter into their burdens with compassion, while gently pointing them to the hope of the gospel. The resurrection we celebrate isn’t merely a historical event—it is the living hope we have to share with a hurting world.
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