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.
[Image: ] The sun rises over a vast, open field of wheat.
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, 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, 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]
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]
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)
(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.)
As you study the Bible, you will be able to decide for yourself whether you can believe what it says about the future.
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.
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, 6.
[“Read” scriptures] Isaiah 33:24: And no resident will say: “I am sick.” The people dwelling in the land will be pardoned for their error.
Isaiah 35:5, 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” scriptures]
• experience injustice.—Isaiah 32:16,17.
[“Read” scripture] Isaiah 32:16,17: 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 back to life on earth.—John 5:28,29.
[“Read” scripture] John 5:28,29: 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 65:21,22.
[“Read” scriptures] 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.
Isaiah 65:21,22: 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” scriptures]
• 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]
[Image: ] A boy who was sick is healthy and hugging his mother.
[Image: ] 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.
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.
• In the video, what injustice troubled Rafika?
• Although the injustice that she saw did not go away, how did the Bible help her?
[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.
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 these questions:
• Do you think that the message of hope found in the Bible could make a difference in your life now? Why?
[“Read” scriptures] Proverbs 17:22: A joyful heart is good medicine, But a crushed spirit saps one’s strength.
Romans 12:12: Rejoice in the hope. Endure under tribulation. Persevere in prayer. [End of “Read” scriptures]
• Why do you think it is important to examine the evidence?
The Bible gives us hope and helps us to cope with challenges by promising a future filled with happiness.
• Why do people need hope?
• What does the Bible say about the future?
• How can having a hope for the future help you now?
Become more familiar with the Bible’s promises by reading the verses listed in this lesson.
Other:
Learn more about the power of hope. “Hope—Where Can You Find It?” (Awake!, April 22, 2004)
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)
When you watch this music video, picture yourself and your family enjoying life in the Bible’s promised future Paradise. Imagine the Time (3: 37)
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)