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Anchored in Hope in a World of Instability

Posted on by yolandaberry
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Every day, headlines remind us that the world feels increasingly uncertain. From ongoing conflicts and economic instability to rising living costs and the quiet weight of personal struggles, many people are navigating a constant undercurrent of pressure and fear. The digital age amplifies it all: Bad news travels faster, lingers longer, and often leaves us feeling overwhelmed or powerless. In times like these, hope can feel fragmented or non-existent. It is precisely in seasons of uncertainty that hope becomes not just necessary, but a divine gift. It’s a steady anchor that keeps us grounded, resilient, and moving forward despite what we see around us.

Everyone handles obstacles, challenges and opposition differently. How do you react or respond to turmoil? Hope is an underestimated response to trauma and crisis.

How you’re able to cope with change determines how you will go through difficult seasons in life. Adaptability is priority in shifting seasons.

There are some people who live a very meticulous life. They’re very calculated. They dot their I’s and cross their T’s. Their life has order and structure. They set goals and meet them. Life has balance and everything adds up. If it doesn’t, they cannot handle it. They may find it hard to adapt to change. Their plans are made and they cannot deal with distractions or obstacles that deter or disrupt their schedules.

There are also another group of people who live a carefree life. They don’t set goals. They live on a whim. They do not care about much in life. They live reckless lives. They tend to believe everything is someone else’s fault and they do not take accountability for their actions. They believe they’re the victim and that the world owes them something. They’re careless and do not value anything. It shows in how they treat people and how they treat themselves as well as how they take care of their possessions. They are poor stewards to what has been given to them. They play Russian Rolette with their life.

There are another group of people who never expected much out of life. They play it safe so life won’t disappoint them. They move through life with caution or skepticism. They may look at others and desire their goals, aspirations and to acquire what they have but do not want to work to achieve it. They have a “One day or Some day” I’ll do it mentality. They tend to procrastinate. They roll the dice and call it a day.

Lastly, another group of people have high expectations in life. They planned for the future and set goals but somehow life didn’t turn out how they had planned. They took a wrong turn, made bad decisions or life simply was full of obstacles, challenges and opposition. They may have missed opportunities or constantly prepared for opportunities that never came but they do not grow weary or tired but carry strength and resilience despite the challenges in life.

You may find yourself in one of these descriptive categories or maybe a mixture of them. Either way, there is a big difference between luck, chance, wishing and hoping. Let’s look at the definition of luck.

LUCK (Noun)

  1. The force that seems to operate for good or ill in a person’s life, as in shaping circumstances, events or opportunities
  2. Good fortune; advantage or success, considered as the result of chance
  3. A combination of circumstances, events, etc. operating by chance to bring good or ill to a person
  4. Some object on which good fortune is supposed to depend. (EX: The rabbit foot is my lucky charm).

In the world, people believe in luck. They believe that circumstances led them to success, usually by their own actions or by serendipity. They believe they’ve designed their own destinies by the choices they’ve made in life or things just fell into place by luck.

However, they do not acknowledge or believe in the divine plan of the Lord and the divine order He has for their life. In Isaiah 46:10 it states, “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure”

CHANCE (Noun)

  1. The absence of any cause of events that can be predicted, understood, or controlled: Often personified or treated as a positive energy.
  2. Luck or fortune
  3. A possibility or probability of anything happening
  4. An opportune or favorable time; opportunity.

CHANCE (Verb)

  • To happen or occur by chance
  • To take the chances; risks

In this culture, people take a lot of chances which is a series of random events or actions. However, as believers we are encouraged to believe in God’s favor, promises and blessings over our lives. We do not leave our life to chance. In life there will be unpredictable events and circumstances, but we should have a strong belief in the sovereignty of God and put our trust in Him.

11 I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happened to them all.

Eccl 9:11

In Prov 19:33 it states, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.”

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.

Jer 29:11

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jer 29:11

WISH (Verb)

  1. To wish; desire; long for
  2. To desire (a person or thing) to be (as specified).
  3. To make a wish

WISH (Noun)

  1. An act or instance of wishing
  2. A request or command

Throughout childhood, wishing has been implanted in us. In Disney movies, wishing and magic are the driving force to making dreams come true. Magic wands, crystal balls and fairy dust are some of the whimsical methods they use to enchant children. Some people believe that wishing is harmless however wishing is void of God. We should seek the Lord in prayer and align with God’s will. In 1 John 5:14-15 it states, “14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

However, we should not ask in selfish gain or selfish motives. Often when people are done wrong, they wish bad on others but the Lord is our contender. He will consume the enemy. In Rom 12:14-21 it states, “14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[b] says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him;  if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.”

One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.

Psalm 27:4

HOPE (Noun)

  1. The feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best
  2. A particular instance of this feeling

Hope (Verb)

  1. To look forward to with desire and reasonable confidence
  2. To believe, desire or trust.
  3. To feel that something desired may happen
  4. To place trust, rely in

Unfortunately, we live in a society that is losing hope. Hope is vital to survival. Hope is underestimated but it’s literally as powerful as faith. Without hope, people commit suicide. Without hope, people give up on their dreams. Without hope, people fall into depression, discouragement and despair. Without hope, people don’t have strength to keep going. Hope sounds like a weakness almost like you’re leading life by chance, but in reality, it’s the driving force to resilience. Hope keeps you moving forward despite the curve balls life throws at you.

In a world where uncertainty often feels louder than reassurance, hope is not a passive feeling. Hope is a conscious decision. You choose to believe that what lies ahead can still be good, even when the present feels heavy. Hope doesn’t ignore reality; it strengthens us to face it with courage, clarity, focus, and faith. When everything around us shifts, our faith becomes the steady foundation we stand on, while hope reminds us that setbacks are not the end of the story. By holding onto hope, we not only uplift ourselves but also can encourage others to keep going. And in times like these, we need to walk in obedience and seek the Lord for His divine purpose and plan for our life.

If you just happened to come across this website, don’t let this be where your journey with hope end. let it deepen. If you’re ready to anchor your life in truth and strengthen your faith in uncertain times, download your free Bible Study Guide “Anchored in Hope” today. It’s designed to help you reflect, grow, and hold onto hope through every season. Click below to get your copy to grow and strengthen your relationship with Christ.

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Going the Distance: Grace in the Pace

Posted on by yolandaberry
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runners, track and field, racing, running

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us, 2 [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work]. Just consider and meditate on Him who endured from sinners such bitter hostility against Himself [consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Heb 12:1-3 (AMP)

When I was in junior high, I ran track. I was the second to the fastest runner in my school. I was a sprinter who ran the 50- and 100-yard dash, the 2020 relay, as well as the long jump and hurdles. One thing I noticed about the long-distance runners was that they had stamina and endurance. They paced themselves to be able to finish the race.

On the other hand, I would position my feet on the starter’s block while listening intently to the sound of the gun and push off the starter’s block to begin running. At times, one of the runners would jumpstart due to anticipation and all the runners would have to start over again.

jogger, running down the street

As I reflect on Heb 12, it is wise to release any baggage or distractions in this season and keep your eyes focused on Jesus. The world is heavy and it’s full of noise. We’re fighting opposition, oppression, weariness and spiritual warfare on every side. It will take stamina and endurance to keep moving. When you learn how to pace yourself, you’re able to overcome physical, mental, emotional and spiritual exhaustion. It’s necessary to slow down, rest and reflect when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Some people want to push ahead and disregard stressful situations or circumstances. They ignore their feelings all together. You should be honest with your feelings, but do not let your feelings rule over your mental, emotional or spiritual well-being. Don’t allow the world to dictate how you should feel either. Suppressing your emotions is dangerous and extremely unhealthy. Finding a support system or a trusted friend to talk to will help you release toxic feelings.

running jogging jogger running down the street

As we approach the holiday season, it’s important to take some time out to rest and focus on your priorities. We do not need to wait for the New Year for reflection. It’s important to honor God and rest in His presence regularly. Don’t allow the pressures of gathering with family wear you thin. Safeguard yourself from any energy drainers or negative Nancy’s.

In Colossian 1:11 it states, “Strengthened with all might according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.”

The secret to having contentment amid long suffering is endurance and letting go of your fleshy desires. “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:4

Although Thanksgiving is a time of reflection of gratitude, it can also be a time of greed. We live in a spoiled and commercially motivated generation. Marketers have pushed Black Friday two weeks prior to Thanksgiving! Despite the financial struggles people are dealing with, their intention is to push more commercialism into the mindset of consumers.

Chasing after the next shiny new thing does not provide contentment. It only triggers you to chase after more stuff which fills you with a void. The Lord only quenches the desires of the heart. Surely, the Lord wants us to enjoy our life, and He will provide for us, but we should not desire material wealth, status and gain more than Jesus.

We are entering unstable territory. Economies are being shaken, and faith is being tested. It’s a wakeup call. Do not put your trust in earthly things. The Lord is pruning us from the material world to shed the weight and sin of greed, manipulation, control, selfishness, envy, jealousy, comparison and competition. He is also prompting us to make a definitive decision. “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Matt 6:24 (NIV)

“Do not store up for yourselves [material] treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal. for where your treasure is, there your heart [your wishes, your desires; that on which your life centers] will be also.” Matt 6:19-21 (AMP)

“Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matt 6:25-34

When we release the stress of materialism, you can gain and embrace contentment. It’s having the ability to step out of the physical world and into the spiritual world. It’s not religion. It’s finding Jesus and having a direct relationship with Him.

two men walking in the sunset

So, do not allow the pressures of the holiday season make you depressed. You may not have everything you want. You may be alone or grieving a loved one but open your heart to the presence of God. He is your comforter, protector and waymaker. These are not merely words. It’s the living truth because I’m a witness of His miraculous working power over my life. Everything that I’ve experienced has led me to this point and I will continue to run on with endurance – not to reach a destination but to embrace the continuous flow of God’s love and grace on this journey. Wherever you are on this journey – God will meet you right there. Ready, set, go!

I have seen something else under the sun:

The race is not to the swift
    or the battle to the strong,
nor does food come to the wise
    or wealth to the brilliant
    or favor to the learned;
but time and chance happen to them all.

Eccl 9:11

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Bible Meditations

Isaiah 40:31

Heb 10:36

James 1:2-4

Gal 6:9

Rom 5:3-5

Lam 3:22-24

Romans 2:7

James 1: 12-20

Rom 12:12

1 Corth 10:13

Rom 15:4-5

Rom 8:28

James 5:11

1 Corth 15:58

James 5:7

1 Pet 4:12

2 Tim 4:7

The Leadership Series: Leading through Uncertainty | The Life and Legacy of King Jehoshaphat

Posted on by yolandaberry
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Image by Marco Santiago from Pixabay

Jehoshaphat was the fourth king of Judah and reigned for 25 years (approximately from 870–848 BC). He was the son of King Asa and is remembered as one of Judah’s more righteous and reform-minded rulers. His leadership was characterized by religious revival, military readiness, and poorly aligned alliances.

King Jehoshaphat was diligently devoted to God and did not seek after Baal or idol worship. The Lord established him as the leader of Judah, and he was given riches and honor in abundance. He took delight in honoring the Lord and removed all the wooden images and idolatry from Judah. (2 Chron 17:1-6)

He was heavily dependent on God to lead him through crisis. He called for national prayer and fast when a coalition of armies came against him.

“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

2 Chronicles 20:12

Photo image of wooden idols generated by Yolanda Berry utilizing AI

King Jehoshaphat was a strategic leader who strengthened Judah by building fortified cities and maintaining a strong army and establishing a system of judges rooted in justice and the fear of the Lord. 2 Chron 19:4-11

He also encouraged peace during a time of division, aiming to unify God’s people. His greatest mistake was building alliances with ungodly and wicked kings of Israel – King Ahab and Ahaziah which led to a failed trading excursion where all their work and ships were wrecked by the hand of God.

In times of uncertainty that we’re experiencing today, we can draw from the timeless lessons of Jehoshaphat—whether in business, ministry, or personal development there are nuggets of wisdom to glean from in his life and legacy.

Image by ha11ok from Pixabay

Life and Legacy

Jehoshaphat left behind a bilateral legacy: a godly king who led spiritual revival and trusted God in crisis, but who compromised his faith in God by partnering with ungodly leaders. He is commended for walking in the ways of the Lord and striving to lead Judah in righteousness despite his poor choices.

“His heart was devoted to the ways of the Lord…”

2 Chronicles 17:6

What can we learn from Jehoshaphat?

Five Lessons and Application Principles

  1. Lesson in Poor Judgment and Discernment

Despite being a godly man, Jehoshaphat sometimes displayed poor discernment in choosing partners, seemingly prioritizing unity or prosperity over righteousness.

2. Prioritize Alignment with God’s Vision

One of Jehoshaphat’s first moves as king was a spiritual one: he set his heart to seek the Lord. He didn’t begin with a political agenda, a marketing campaign, or a military strategy—he began by aligning his leadership with divine purpose.

Application Principle:

In a world filled with noise, trends, competition and pressure to chase quick wins, true leadership begins with clarity of purpose. Whether you’re leading your family, a business, a nonprofit, or a creative project, take time to anchor your mission.

Are my values aligned with something greater than success? Am I leading with integrity, vision, and spiritual clarity?

“The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the ways of his father David before him. He did not consult the Baals but sought the God of his father.”

2 Chronicles 17:3–4

3. Invest in Education and Empowerment

Jehoshaphat did something extraordinary: he sent out teachers to every city in Judah to instruct the people in the ways of God (2 Chronicles 17:7–9). He understood that he could not complete this task alone. He also understood that training well-informed and spiritually rooted people would lead to a strong kingdom mindset. There is strength in numbers.

Application Principle:

Great leaders don’t hoard knowledge- they cultivate and nurture it in others. A culture of empowerment leads to resilience and strength in uncertain times.

In your organization or community, how are you empowering others to grow? Are you mentoring, teaching, or creating systems that promote continuous learning?

4. Be Willing to Seek Counsel and Correction

One of Jehoshaphat’s leadership flaws was his alliance with King Ahab of Israel. When he was rebuked by the prophet Jehu (2 Chronicles 19:2–3), instead of resisting correction, Jehoshaphat humbled himself and made changes.

Application Principle:

Mistakes often happen, but wise leaders seek feedback and make adjustments. It’s ok to make mistakes. It’s one of our greatest teachers, however it’s important to surround yourself with people who will speak the truth—even when it’s uncomfortable. And when the truth hits hard, don’t shrink instead dissect it, reflect on it, embrace it and grow.

5. Lead with Faith and Loose Fear

Jehoshaphat prayed and fasted then sent worshippers ahead of the army—praising God in advance of the battle. God fought for Judah, and they experienced a miraculous victory.

Application Principle:

Due to the current instability in these times—economic shifts, technological disruption, social, political and cultural changes, lead with faith. Don’t rush into battle without clarity. Take time to pause, reflect, pray, and strategize. Sometimes, your biggest breakthroughs will come not through force, but through faith-filled surrender and praise.

Tomorrow, go down against them.
They will surely come up by the Ascent of Ziz,
and you will find them at the end of the Wilderness of Jeruel.
You will not need to fight in this battle.
Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord,
who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!
Do not fear or be dismayed tomorrow
go out against them, for the Lord is with you.”

2 Chron 20:16-17

6. Build Systems and Fortify What You Have

Jehoshaphat didn’t only focus on spiritual matters. He also strengthened his cities, appointed judges, and implemented systems of justice and governance (2 Chronicles 19:4–11). He understood the significance of leadership and administration.

Application Principle:

Vision without organizational systems leads to burnout. As the world evolves, so should your workflow, infrastructure, and decision-making processes. Whether you’re leading a team, a church, or your own brand, build solid systems that support a strong foundation, long-term sustainability, and clarity of vision.

History always seems to repeat itself. In many ways, we are living in a period of time similar to Jehoshaphat. The world is unstable, challenges are unexpected, and the masses are seeking leaders with strong character and who have values, morals, integrity, wisdom, courage and humility.

We all have the ability to be role models of leadership who:

  • Make wise decisions and live righteously
  • Align our lives with purpose
  • Empower others through education
  • Embrace feedback with humility
  • Stand firm in faith amdist fear
  • And build workflows and systems that serve with vision

Because in the end, leadership is not just about getting through the battle-it’s about helping others thrive on the other side of it.

This concludes the leadership series. I hope you enjoyed the series and please share with a friend or associate who would benefit from the message. Please feel free to leave your comments or feedback below.

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