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To turn youth away from drugs and inspire them toward a better future, some leaders urge them with the slogan “Down with dope—Up with hope.” The truth is, unless we can envision a brighter tomorrow, anyone can drown in despair from the problems of today. It’s one reason God sets before us a future hope. He gives us courage to keep going today. Here is just one expression of that hope John gave us in Revelation chapter 21: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, ‘Look, God’s throne is now among his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.’” A hope like this inspires us to live and serve God faithfully today. We know that when this life is over, His children have a future not only literally out of this world, but beyond human description. People who know the value of planning ahead plan and look forward to that future day.
