The man sat on the park bench with his head resting in his hands. There was a look of dejection about him. His sturdy work boots were worn through, and his jacket was frayed at the seams. He was alone on that cold winter day.

The young lady picked up her lunch tray and looked around. Who should she sit with today, or rather, who would sit with her? Fearing that nobody wanted her company, she went to a table in the corner. A sigh, an inward groan, another day was half over. She had lived with rejection and abuse first from her family, now from her friends and schoolmates. Was there any escape?

Midnight passed, then one, two, three o'clock as the sleepless man tossed on the hotel bed. In a few hours he would be expected to entertain the crowd, draw out their emotions, and bask in their laughter and admiration. But why the restlessness? This was not the way it was supposed to be. He had attained fame and fortune but had no peace of mind.

She lay motionless, pain etching furrows across her brow. It had started years ago with a loss of feeling in her toes, then her fingers. Now her arms and legs were useless, and communication was down to a whisper. She lived under a heavy cloak of depression. What purpose was there in living? Oh, for someone to understand and care!

These and many other situations befall humans of every nationality and culture. Many people, young and old, face health issues that have no cure. Terminal illness claims the lives of many every year. The lack of food, water, clothing, and adequate housing are very real circumstances that trouble millions of people.

Many people have rejected God to pursue earthly relationships and tangible goals. This leaves the body and soul restless and empty. Often people blame God for their troubles. Broken dreams, failed marriages, financial ruin, abuse, rejection, drugs, and alcohol contribute to the depression and suicide in the world today.

In the beginning God created a perfect world. He enjoyed a close relationship with Adam and Eve, the first people of his creation. Satan, the enemy of God, soon came into the Garden of Eden and tempted them to disobey God. Because of disobedience, their fellowship with God was broken. Satan is the cause of sin and unrighteousness. Jesus said of him, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy" (John 10:10). You and I are the objects of Satan's wrath, and he wants to destroy our body and soul in hell.

Jesus is the answer! He is our hope! He took our sins upon Himself, dying on the cross of Calvary so that our relationship with God could be restored. This renewed relationship with God will give us hope. Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep" (John 10:10-11). Jesus invites all people, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11: 28).

Jesus wants us to believe in Him. As we repent and confess our sin, God hears our prayers. He forgives us and adopts us into his family. God blesses his children with the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7).

God's forgiveness sets us free. Trusting God brings peace to our heart and mind. Life takes on a new meaning and purpose. Whatever our situation in life, we have hope! This hope will see us through the storms and tests of life. "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13).

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