Today, anxieties and fears permeate our society. One study finds anxiety has become the number one mental health issue in America. It is estimated that one-third of our population experiences anxiety wellness issues. Studies show that many men and women are experiencing high levels of overall stress...they often feel out of control of their health and life. They simply have difficulty managing the pressures of life.
In the United States - in skyrocketing numbers - anxiety/pain pills, recreational drugs, and alcohol are being used...supposedly, they alleviate our anxieties. Marijuana use by teens has dramatically escalated recently in spite of the fact that marijuana use at any age can cause permanent cognitive impairment. As well, the majority of those who had negative results in marijuana use say it actually contributed to their struggle with anxiety.
One report found that more than half of college students sought help for their anxiety issues. Further, statistics also point out that 43% of all people living in North America take mood altering prescriptions regularly.
On the other hand, many of these problems can be solved by honestly looking at our life in a realistic and truthful manner. However, many people avoid doing so. President John Kennedy verbalized it well. "The great enemy of truth is very often not the lie - deliberate, contrived, and dishonest - but myth - persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic. Too often, we hold fast to clichés of our forebears. We subject all facts to a prefabricated set of interpretations. We enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought."
The fact remains...Scripture has the answers! Many anxiety-ridden people, lacking true hope, have not realized that the pages of the Bible reveal the hope they seek. The Bible proclaims that true hope is not a thing to be seen and cannot be found in the things of this world. For certain, hope that is found in this world cannot alleviate our fears and anxieties.
In this book, Bible teacher, Ron Hoffman, offers solid Biblical teaching regarding the Bible's focus on past, present and future realities concerning this world. The author has included many excellent charts in the book to guide the reader through understanding its contents.
The book directs our attention to the fact that only when we realize how world history relates to our everyday lives, can we truly have genuine hope. In addition, it is noted that this study of Scripture is not for pointless curiosity or to satisfy our minds with empty data.
No, this study is to bring about accurate Biblical knowledge to generate transformation of mind, as well as, give hope, encouragement, comfort, and peace to the believer's heart.
The optimism spoken of will never disappoint, delude, or shame the person trusting in that hope. The writer declares the true hope in Christ...Jesus is the only one who can give genuine relief from anxiety. Jesus, Himself, calls out to people who are exhausted and weary from carrying heavy loads of anxieties; He is ready to give them true rest for their souls. Trusting Jesus as Savior and Lord brings about the "bubbling over" of hope to the weary...Jesus becomes the safe haven of their soul.
And, yes, that Jesus will return one day...He promised! Believers are to be waiting expectantly for His imminent return...He told us He would appear when we least expect Him...and, yes, He will certainly give us a wonderful bright future!
