Lesson 02 The Bible Gives Hope
[Image:] The sun rises over a vast, open field of wheat.
[Press play to hear the MP3 of the Lesson]
People around the world deal with problems that cause them to feel sadness, anxiety, and even pain. Have you ever faced a situation that made you feel those things? Perhaps you are suffering because of an illness or because someone you love has died. You may ask yourself, ‘Will life ever get better?’ The Bible provides a reassuring answer to that question.
1. How does the Bible give hope?
The Bible not only explains why the world is filled with problems but also shares the good news that these problems are temporary and will soon be gone. The Bible’s promises can “give you a future and a hope.” (Read Jeremiah 29:11 and 12.) Those promises help us to cope with our present problems, to have a positive attitude, and to find lasting happiness.
[Read scripture] Jeremiah 29:11 and 12: “‘For I well know the thoughts that I am thinking toward you,’ declares Jehovah, ‘thoughts of peace, and not of calamity, to give you a future and a hope. And you will call me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.’ [End of Read scripture]
2. What kind of future does the Bible describe?
The Bible describes a future time when “death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.” (Read Revelation 21:4.) The problems that can make life seem hopeless today, such as poverty, injustice, sickness, and death, will no longer exist. The Bible promises that humans will be able to enjoy life forever in Paradise on earth.
[Read scripture] Revelation 21:4: And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” [End of Read scripture]
3. How can you build up your trust in the hope the Bible gives?
Many people hope for good things to happen, but they cannot be sure that their hopes will ever be fulfilled. What the Bible promises is different. We can build up our trust in what it says by “carefully examining the Scriptures.” (Acts 17:11)
[Quotation] Acts 17:11: Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they accepted the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. [End Quotation]
As you study the Bible, you will be able to decide for yourself whether you can believe what it says about the future.
Dig Deeper
Examine some of the conditions that the Bible promises for the future. See how the hope the Bible gives is helping people today.
[Image:] Collage: Contrasting scenes compare conditions that people experience today with conditions that the Bible promises for the future. The scenes are repeated below. [Image:] A boy who was sick is healthy and hugging his mother. [Image C Alt Text:] A man who was elderly is young and pushing a wheelbarrow full of vegetables. [Image:] Children who were starving and were victims of forced labor are now planting a garden and playing soccer. [Image:] A woman who was curled up and depressed is now standing tall and smiling.
4. The Bible offers the hope of everlasting life in perfect conditions
Look at the following list of promises found in the Bible. Which ones especially appeal to you? Why?
Read the scriptures cited next to those promises, and consider these questions:
Do you feel that these scriptures give hope? Could they give hope to your family and friends?
PICTURE LIVING IN A WORLD WHERE NO ONE WILL... FEEL PAIN, WEAKEN WITH AGE, OR HAVE TO DIE. Isaiah 25:8.
[Read scripture] Isaiah 25:8: He will swallow up death forever, And the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces. The reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, For Jehovah himself has spoken it. [End of Read scripture]
GET SICK OR LIVE WITH A DISABILITY. Isaiah 33:24; 35:5 and 6.
[Read scripture] Isaiah 33:24: And no resident will say: “I am sick.” The people dwelling in the land will be pardoned for their error. [End of Read scripture]
[Read scripture] Isaiah 35:5 and 6: At that time the eyes of the blind will be opened, And the ears of the deaf will be unstopped. At that time the lame will leap like the deer, And the tongue of the speechless will shout for joy. For waters will burst forth in the wilderness, And streams in the desert plain. [End of Read scripture]
EXPERIENCE INJUSTICE. Isaiah 32:16 and 17.
[Read scripture] Isaiah 32:16 and 17: Then justice will reside in the wilderness, And righteousness will dwell in the orchard. The result of true righteousness will be peace, And the fruitage of true righteousness will be lasting tranquillity and security. [End of Read scripture]
SUFFER AS A RESULT OF WAR. Psalm 46:9.
[Read scripture] Psalm 46:9: He is bringing an end to wars throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the military wagons with fire. [End of Read scripture]
BE PLAGUED BY TROUBLING THOUGHTS OR MEMORIES. Isaiah 65:17.
[Read scripture] Isaiah 65:17: For look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be called to mind, Nor will they come up into the heart. [End of Read scripture]
PICTURE LIVING IN A WORLD WHERE EVERYONE WILL... SEE DEAD LOVED ONES RESURRECTED, BROUGHT BBACK TO LIFE ON EARTH. John 5:28 and 29.
[Read scripture] John 5:28 and 29: Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment. [End of Read scripture]
ENJOY GOOD HEALTH AND YOUTHFUL ENERGY. Job 33:25.
[Read scripture] Job 33:25: Let his flesh become fresher than in youth; Let him return to the days of his youthful vigor.’ [End of Read scripture]
HAVE PLENTY TO EAT, A COMFORTABLE HOME, AND SATISFYING WORK. Psalm 72:16; Isaiah 65:21 and 22.
[Read scripture] Psalm 72:16: There will be an abundance of grain on the earth; On the top of the mountains it will overflow. His fruit will flourish as in Lebanon, And in the cities people will blossom like the vegetation of the earth. [End of Read scripture]
[Read scripture] Isaiah 65:21 and 22: They will build houses and live in them, And they will plant vineyards and eat their fruitage. They will not build for someone else to inhabit, Nor will they plant for others to eat. For the days of my people will be like the days of a tree, And the work of their hands my chosen ones will enjoy to the full. [End of Read scripture]
EXPERIENCE COMPLETE PEACE. Psalm 37:11.
[Read scripture] Psalm 37:11: But the meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace. [End of Read scripture]
LIVE FOREVER IN IDEAL CONDITIONS. Psalm 37:29.
[Read scripture] Psalm 37:29: The righteous will possess the earth, And they will live forever on it. [End of Read scripture]
5. The Bible’s hope can make a difference
Many people are discouraged or even angered by the problems they see around them. Some fight to try to change things for the better. See how the Bible’s promise that things will get better helps people now. Play the video I Wanted to Fight Injustice (4:07), and then discuss the questions that follow.
[Disclaimer: The following video is created by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society; however, the audio description has been added independently to assist those who are blind or have low vision]
[Click for Transcript]|[I Wanted to Fight Injustice]
[On a sunny day as an old truck drives by, black field workers pick cotton]
Rafika: “Growing up in the South during the time of segregation
[Young Rafika picks with Grandma]
blacks and whites, we couldn’t mix. And not only that, they had signs to keep you knowing where you were supposed to go. I couldn’t understand why we couldn’t get along.
[In a barn they approach a white boy]
Boy: “Fifty cents.”
Grandma: “Yes, Sir.
[Grandma takes coins from a boy]
Thank you, Sir.”
Rafika: “Grandma, he’s just a boy. Why are you saying “Sir”?”
Grandma: “Be quiet. I want you to know your place.”
[She stares blankly at Grandma]
Rafika: “I told her after we got back on the truck: “You know what? I’ll never hold my head down!” My grandmother knew I had a love for the Bible because I would always read the Bible as a kid. But I couldn’t understand it.
[With her index finger, Rafika tracks the words of a large open Bible]
I used to pray, “What makes us so different?” You know, “Why can’t we live together?”
[Under a stary sky, little Rafika looks up and closes her eyes]
I met a group, and this group was like what I really wanted to be in. They were about politics. They said, “We’re fighting injustice.” And when they said that word “injustice,” it was like, ‘Yeah, this is what I want to be in, right?
[Rafika as a young adult]
‘To be part of something that can change and make people united, right?’ That was my goal.
[Wearing all black men and women stand side by side]
We started protesting about police brutality, and I think that’s what a lot of people, you know, were focusing on.
[They clap and chant]
I liked some of the things that they were doing, but they trained us every, every day in military training. We learned how to use weapons and stuff like that. And so, I’m thinking: ‘This is not what I want to be in. This is not what I joined.’ So, I started going back to God again, to reading the Bible, because it was like I’m not changing anything. The Bible that I was reading was the King James Version. So, I was reading it, reading it, reading it, but I couldn’t understand it. We went to Jamaica, and we saw this Bible, the New World Translation. And I started reading it, and it made so much sense! And I could understand it, and it wasn’t “thee” and “thou.” I was like, ‘Wow!’ You know, like, ‘This is the one I want to get.’ One day, two women knocked on the door. I didn’t know they were Jehovah’s Witnesses. All I could see was that, Bible. And I said, “Where did you get that Bible from?” And they said, “OK, we’ll bring you one.” And they did. So, they brought me the Bible, but I didn’t know I was going to have a Bible study that came along with it. The first time I went to a convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses, it was like ten thousand people. When I went in there and I saw all these different faces and different colors, it was like Jehovah showing me: “Hey, Rafika, remember you were asking me “about all different people getting together and being one? See, I’m not partial; they do get along; we are unified.” And it just made me feel so good inside. Yes! This is the organization that I want to be in.
[Now in the ministry]
I just see people as people, you know,
[She talks to a blonde woman]
and I can preach and be friends with anybody.
[And to a man on a busy street]
Now that I know what the Bible really teaches, I have a wonderful life because I know that only God and his government can bring about peace.
[At a door she reads a scripture]
Just like how Jehovah unified everybody, I want everybody to be unified and come to know Jehovah, just like I know him. Jehovah answered my prayer.
[She picks a flower and puts it in a red and white bouquet, she puts the bouquet to her nose, then contemptibly smiles]
(Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG inside a white box. Copyright 2018 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania) [Click to close]
[Image:] Collage: Scenes from the video I Wanted to Fight Injustice. 1. Rafika harvested cotton with people of her race when she was a girl. 2. Rafika is thrilled to see people from different races getting along when she attends a convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses for her first time.
In the video, what injustice troubled Rafika?
Although the injustice that she saw did not go away, how did the Bible help her?
The hope that the Bible offers for the future can help us to battle discouragement and cope with our problems successfully. Read Proverbs 17:22 and Romans 12:12, and then discuss the questions that follow:
[Read scripture] Proverbs 17:22: A joyful heart is good medicine, But a crushed spirit saps one’s strength. [End of Read scripture]
[Read scripture] Romans 12:12: Rejoice in the hope. Endure under tribulation. Persevere in prayer. [End of Read scripture]
Do you think that the message of hope found in the Bible could make a difference in your life now? Why?
[Box]
Some People Say: “The Bible’s promises for the future are too good to be true.” Why do you think it is important to examine the evidence? [End of box]
Summary
The Bible gives us hope and helps us to cope with challenges by promising a future filled with happiness.
Review
Why do people need hope?
What does the Bible say about the future?
How can having a hope for the future help you now?
Goal
Become more familiar with the Bible’s promises by reading the verses listed in this lesson. Set Other Goals
Explore
Learn more about the power of hope. “Hope—Where Can You Find It?” (Awake!, April 22, 2004)
[Click for article]|[Hope—Does It Really Make a Difference?]
HE WAS only ten years old, but Daniel had been battling cancer for a year. His doctors had given up hope, as had others close to the boy. But Daniel held on to hope. He believed that he would grow up to be a researcher and help to find a cure for cancer someday. He was especially hopeful regarding the upcoming visit of a doctor who specialized in treating his particular form of cancer. When the day arrived, though, the specialist was forced to cancel his visit because of bad weather. Daniel’s spirits sank. For the first time, he became listless. He died within a few days.
Daniel’s account was related by a health-care worker who studied the role that hope and hopelessness play in relation to health. You may have heard similar stories. An elderly person, for example, lies near death but is eager to reach some long-anticipated milestone—whether the visit of a loved one or simply an anniversary. When the event has come and gone, death quickly ensues. What is at work in such cases? Can hope really be as potent a force as some believe?
A growing number of medical researchers suggest that optimism, hope, and other positive emotions indeed have a powerful effect on a person’s life and health. But such views are hardly unanimous. Some researchers dismiss all such claims as a lot of unscientific folklore. They prefer to think that physical ailments have strictly physical causes.
Of course, skepticism about the importance of hope is not new. Thousands of years ago, the Greek philosopher Aristotle was asked to define hope and replied: “It is a waking dream.” And more recently, the American statesman Benjamin Franklin observed tartly: “He that lives upon hope will die fasting.”
What, then, is the truth about hope? Is it always mere wishful thinking, a way for people to seek comfort in empty dreams? Or is there valid reason to see hope as something more, something that all of us need for the sake of health and happiness, something with real basis and real benefits? [Click to close]
Discover how hope for the future can help those who are living with chronic illness. “Living With Chronic Illness. Can the Bible Help?” (Web article)
[Click for article]|[Living With Chronic Illness—Can the Bible Help?]
The Bible’s answer
Yes. God cares about his servants who are sick. Regarding a faithful servant, the Bible says: “Jehovah himself will sustain him upon a divan of illness.” (Psalm 41:3) If you are living with chronic illness, the following three steps can help you to cope:
1. Pray for strength to endure. You can receive “the peace of God that excels all thought,” which can reduce your anxiety and sustain you. (Philippians 4:6, 7.)
[Quotation] Philippians 4:6, 7: Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus. [End Quotation]
2. Be positive. The Bible says: “Being cheerful keeps you healthy. It is slow death to be gloomy all the time.” (Proverbs 17:22, Good News Translation) Cultivate your sense of humor, since this not only can lighten dark times but also can benefit your health.
3. Build your hope in the future. A sound hope can help you have joy despite chronic ailments. (Romans 12:12)
[Quotation] Romans 12:12: Rejoice in the hope. Endure under tribulation. Persevere in prayer. [End Quotation]
The Bible foretells a time when “no resident will say: ‘I am sick.’” (Isaiah 33:24) God will then cure chronic illnesses that are beyond the power of modern science to solve. For example, the Bible describes the reversal of the aging process this way: “Let his flesh become fresher than in youth; let him return to the days of his youthful vigor.” (Job 33:25).
Note: While acknowledging the help that God provides, Jehovah’s Witnesses also seek medical treatment for chronic illness. (Mark 2:17)
[Quotation] Mark 2:17: On hearing this, Jesus said to them: “Those who are strong do not need a physician, but those who are ill do. I came to call, not righteous people, but sinners.”
We do not, however, endorse any specific medical approach; we feel that each person should make his own health decisions. [Click to close]
When you watch this music video, picture yourself and your family enjoying life in the Bible’s promised future Paradise. Imagine the Time (with Audio Description) (3:37)
[Click for Transcript]|[Imagine the Time. Original Song]
(Mom hangs a shirt on a washing line near a small tin roofed shack. They fill canisters with water trickling from a pipe. In a queue, Dad holds out a tin to be filled with uncooked rice. His young son struggles to carry the water canister, dad takes it)
Music Lyrics: Life is hard, and it wears us down.
(Mom stirs a pot over a stone fire. The son pats his younger brothers’ shoulder)
There’s not enough to go around. I close my eyes,
(Dad closes his eyes)
and there I see
(He imagines his family looking at house plans)
That ev’ry hope has come to be.
(They smile and point at an area of grass)
Imagine the time when there’s no more pain,
(Friends join with tools and wood)
when life’s so good and we are young again.
(They use string to mark a house foundation)
Imagine the time when we wake up
(Son picks a red apple and eats it)
and say, “Thank you,
(Dad tosses an apple and catches it)
thank you for this new life and this brand-new day!”
(Back to present, Dad opens his eyes and smiles at his family by the fire. He nods.)
Not a sound has ever touched my ears,
(Older man watches a video in sign language)
and eyes grow dim with passing years.
(His wife flicks the light switch on and off several times. They sign to each other)
But ears will hear when music plays.
(She points to the framed photo of them as a young happy couple)
And eyes will see each brand-new day.
(He imagines them young, walking hand in hand through a forest)
Imagine the time when there’s no more pain,
(they sit on stone steps reading a Bible)
when life’s so good and we are young again.
(A friend hands him a sheet of music)
Imagine the time when we wake up and say,
(With another couple, they play flutes and violins)
‘Thank you, thank you for this new life
(They laugh. Back to present day, the older man removes his glasses, smiles and nods)
and this brand-new day!”
(Two uniformed men help another man walk as he pulls himself along parallel bars)
I might not be the way I want to be.
(He imagines holding bike handles)
But one day soon, I’ll be running free!
(He drags his foot as he tries to walk)
Imagine the time when there’s no more pain,
(He rides a bike with a big smile)
when life’s so good
(with a friend they ride along a tree lined road)
and we are young again.
(The family walk past the now built house, to a picnic table filled with food)
Imagine the time when we’re dancing out the door!
(The happy man on the bike rides down a hill)
Ev’ry day is better than before.
(The couple carrying instruments join him and they all walk to the picnic table)
Imagine the time when there’s no more pain,
(The two young brothers stroke a black puppy, that runs and sniffs apples on the grass)
when life’s so good and we are young again.
(Friends hug and greet)
Imagine the time
(The couple play music)
when we wake up and say,
(Everyone smiles and claps)
“Thank you, thank you for this brand-new day!’
(The boys run together and release large paper airplanes into the sky towards the bright sun.)
(Logo inside a White box. Black capital letters JW.ORG. Copyright 2016 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania) [Click to Close]
Read how a social activist’s life changed once he learned the Bible’s hope for the future. “I No Longer Feel That I Have to Change the World” (The Watchtower, July 1, 2013)
[Click for article]|[THE BIBLE CHANGES LIVES
“I No Longer Feel That I Have to Change the World”
As told by Jukka Sylgren.
YEAR BORN: 1966
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: FINLAND
HISTORY: SOCIAL ACTIVIST
MY PAST:
I have loved nature ever since I was a child. My family often enjoyed outings at the fascinating forests and beautiful lakes that surround our hometown of Jyväskylä, in Central Finland. I’m also an animal lover. When I was a child, I wanted to hug every cat and dog I saw! As I grew up, I became disturbed by the way people often abuse animals. In time, I joined an animal-rights organization, where I met other like-minded people.
We actively campaigned for animal rights. We distributed information and arranged protest marches and demonstrations against fur shops and animal-testing laboratories. We even formed a new animal-protection organization. Because we took radical measures to try to further our cause, we were often in trouble with the authorities. I was arrested and taken to court several times.
In addition to my concern for animals, I was troubled by other problems around the world. Eventually, I became involved with a number of organizations, including Amnesty International and Greenpeace. I focused all my energy on supporting their activities. I advocated on behalf of the poor, the starving, and other less fortunate people.
I gradually realized, however, that I could not change the world. Even though those organizations managed to get a few small problems corrected, the big problems only seemed to get worse. It was as if the forces of evil had swallowed up the whole world and nobody cared about anything. I felt powerless.
HOW THE BIBLE CHANGED MY LIFE:
Feeling sad because of my helplessness, I began to think about God and the Bible. I had previously studied the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Although I appreciated that the Witnesses were kind and showed me personal interest, I hadn’t been ready to change my lifestyle. This time, things were different.
I took out my Bible and began to read it. It proved to be a real balm for my wounds. I noticed many Bible passages that teach us to treat animals kindly. For example, Proverbs 12:10 says that “good people take care of their animals.” (Good News Translation) I also discerned that God is not the cause of the world’s problems. Rather, our problems have grown worse because most people don’t follow his direction. I was deeply impressed when I learned of Jehovah’s love and his long-suffering.—Psalm 103:8-14.
[Quotation] Psalm 103:8: Jehovah is merciful and compassionate, Slow to anger and abundant in loyal love. 9: He will not always find fault, Nor will he stay resentful forever. 10: He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor has he repaid us what our errors deserve. 11: For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So great is his loyal love toward those who fear him. 12: As far off as the sunrise is from the sunset, So far off from us he has put our transgressions. 13: As a father shows mercy to his sons, Jehovah has shown mercy to those who fear him. 14: For he well knows how we are formed, Remembering that we are dust. [End Quotation]
About this time, I found a coupon for the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? and sent it in. Soon a Witness couple came to my door and offered me a Bible study, which I accepted. I also began to attend Christian meetings at the Kingdom Hall. As a result, Bible truth began to take root in my heart.
Thanks to the Bible, I was able to make a lot of changes. I quit smoking and overdrinking. I cleaned up my appearance and speech. And I adjusted my attitude toward secular authority. (Romans 13:1)
[Quotation] Romans 13:1: Let every person be in subjection to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except by God; the existing authorities stand placed in their relative positions by God. [End Quotation]
I also abandoned my immoral lifestyle, an area in which I had been very liberal.
The hardest change for me was developing the correct view of civic organizations. It didn’t happen overnight. At first, I felt that I would be betraying these organizations if I resigned. However, I came to appreciate that God’s Kingdom is the only real hope for our world. I decided to throw all my energy into supporting that Kingdom and helping others to learn about it.—Matthew 6:33.
[Quotation] Matthew 6:33: “Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you. [End Quotation]
HOW I HAVE BENEFITED:
As an activist, I used to divide people sharply into two groups—either good or bad—and I was ready to act against those whom I considered bad. But thanks to the Bible, I no longer feel strong hatred for others. Rather, I try to cultivate Christian love for all people. (Matthew 5:44)
[Quotation] Matthew 5:44: However, I say to you: Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those who persecute you, [End Quotation]
Among other ways, I show this love by sharing the good news of God’s Kingdom. I’m glad to see how this benevolent work promotes peace and happiness and gives people real hope.
I’ve gained peace of mind by leaving matters in Jehovah’s hands. I’m convinced that he, as the Creator, will not allow animals and humans to be mistreated forever, nor will he allow our beautiful earth to be destroyed. On the contrary, through his Kingdom, he will soon repair all the damage that has been done. (Isaiah 11:1-9)
[Quotation] A twig will grow out of the stump of Jesse, And a sprout from his roots will bear fruit. And the spirit of Jehovah will settle upon him, The spirit of wisdom and of understanding, The spirit of counsel and of mightiness, The spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Jehovah. And he will find delight in the fear of Jehovah. He will not judge by what appears to his eyes, Nor reprove simply according to what his ears hear. He will judge the lowly with fairness, And with uprightness he will give reproof in behalf of the meek ones of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth And put the wicked to death with the breath of his lips. Righteousness will be the belt around his waist, And faithfulness the belt of his hips. The wolf will reside for a while with the lamb, And with the young goat the leopard will lie down, And the calf and the lion and the fattened animal will all be together; And a little boy will lead them. The cow and the bear will feed together, And their young will lie down together. The lion will eat straw like the bull. The nursing child will play over the lair of a cobra, And a weaned child will put his hand over the den of a poisonous snake. They will not cause any harm Or any ruin in all my holy mountain, Because the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah As the waters cover the sea. [End Quotation]
It brings me great joy not only to know these truths but also to help others put faith in them. I no longer feel that I have to change the world. [Click to close]