Finding Hope in Troubled Times: Following Jesus in a World of Violence

In a time of increasing violence and tragedy, how should believers respond? As we witness senseless acts of evil—from political assassinations to school shootings—it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about how to process these events. When peace seems distant and answers aren’t forthcoming, there are two essential responses we must prioritize: prayer and immersion in God’s Word.

The Need to Pause and Listen

In our fast-paced world of instant information and constant opinions, we rarely take time to truly listen for God’s voice. Social media bombards us with perspectives, AI amplifies messages, and we can easily be swept along by the current of public discourse without pausing to hear what Jesus might be saying to us personally. When we press into the Lord with our questions, His response often isn’t a direct answer. Instead, He frequently responds with questions of His own or directs us to Scripture, using these moments as opportunities to draw us deeper into relationship with Him.

Where Do We Place Our Hope?

Biblical hope is essential in troubled times. Without it, we’ll inevitably place our hope in lesser things. The final chapters of Revelation paint a beautiful picture of the renewal of all things—the heavenly city coming down, the planet restored, and humanity dwelling with God as He always intended. This is the hope we must cling to. God’s power toward us is more significant than we can measure, and His wisdom differs greatly from the quick voices surrounding us. The Holy Spirit doesn’t just offer coping strategies—He reshapes our perspectives, allowing us to experience eternal life now while becoming instruments of God’s kingdom.

What Did Jesus Teach About Living in Troubled Times?

When seeking guidance for our current situation, the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 offer profound insight:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
These aren’t just nice sayings—they were revolutionary statements that challenged every prevailing view of power in Jesus’ time.

Understanding the Context of Jesus’ Teaching

When Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, He spoke to a Jewish population divided into four main groups, each with their own vision of how God’s kingdom would come:

The Sadducees – Wealthy temple leaders who cooperated with Rome to maintain their status. They believed stability and order under their leadership was the path forward.

The Pharisees – Believed strict adherence to the law would bring God’s kingdom. They created a structured, legalistic approach that made experiencing life with God nearly impossible.

The Essenes – Withdrew from society into desert communities, believing God’s kingdom would come only after complete separation from a sinful world.

The Zealots – Believed God’s kingdom would come through violent overthrow of Rome. They carried daggers and were ready for rebellion.

Jesus’ teachings directly challenged each of these perspectives. His wisdom often appears upside-down to our cultural expectations, but the more we align with His thinking, the more we experience His mercy, grace, and love.

What Does It Mean to Follow Jesus?

In Mark 1:16-20, we see Jesus calling His first disciples—Peter, Andrew, James, and John. These were fishermen who had been rejected by the religious educational system of their day. When Jesus said, “Follow me,” they immediately left everything because someone finally wanted them.

Contrast this with the rich young ruler in Mark 10, who approached Jesus seeking eternal life. When Jesus told him to sell everything and follow Him, the man walked away sad because he couldn’t let go of his wealth.

Two different situations—one involving the rejected, one involving the unsatisfied—but both requiring the same response: follow Jesus.

How Should Christians Respond to Violence and Division Today?

Much like in Jesus’ time, there are still groups today trying to interpret how things of God are supposed to work. Each is convinced their way is the path forward. When tragic events occur, they’re often used by various groups to define life for you: “If you don’t do this or say this or see it this way…”

The only reliable response is to follow Jesus. Rather than letting others define good and evil for you, pause, catch your breath, and listen for Jesus. Read your Bible. Spend time in prayer. Ask Him the hard questions and listen patiently for His response.

Don’t be surprised if He doesn’t give you immediate answers. The relationship isn’t meant to be quick and easy—there are no shortcuts or “cliff notes” for walking with Jesus.

Life Application

This week, I challenge you to intentionally create space to listen for Jesus amidst the noise of our troubled world. Set aside time each day to:

Pray specifically about the violence and division in our society, asking Jesus how He wants you to respond.

Read the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) slowly and thoughtfully, considering how Jesus’ words challenge our cultural assumptions about power, success, and righteousness.

Fast from news and social media for a designated period to quiet the competing voices that may be drowning out God’s voice.

Ask yourself these questions:

Am I allowing cultural voices to shape my response to tragedy more than Jesus is?
Where have I placed my hope—in political solutions, cultural change, or in Christ’s ultimate renewal of all things?
How might Jesus be calling me to be salt and light in my specific context during these troubled times?

Life is found in following Jesus—now and forever. Put your hope in Him, trust Him, listen for Him, wrestle with Him, and spend time with Him. It’s only in Jesus that we find the strength to be salt and light in a world that desperately needs to know God’s love.

This series may be taken as a course offered by the Online Bible Institute. For more information check out the Keys Vineyard Ministries Courses page.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.