A Message From God’s Word—Hope for Refugees!

Every year, millions of people feel forced to flee from their homes. Are you dealing with this traumatic experience? If so, be assured that you do not have to handle it on your own—God provides hope of a better life, which you can learn about in the Holy Scriptures.

“Refugees and displaced peoplea do not only need our emergency help,” says Christos Stylianides, a European Union commissioner,b “but also . . . hope for the future.” People with hope have good reason to keep a positive outlook about the life ahead of them. But, in addition to hope, refugees also need comfort to heal emotionally.

“When I had to flee my country and leave my family behind, I felt an unbearable emptiness. I was full of fear, sadness, and anxiety.”—Emmanuel, Haiti.

Can you relate to those feelings? If you have fled your home, you need somewhere to turn to for both comfort and hope. How can God’s Word, the Bible, help you?

Comfort from God’s Word

The Bible says: “Jehovahc . . . loves the foreign resident.”—Deuteronomy 10:17, 18.

The Bible says: “Jehovah is near to all those calling on him.”—Psalm 145:18.

The Bible says: “It is unthinkable for the true God to act wickedly . . . The Almighty does not pervert justice.”—Job 34:10, 12.

This means that God does not cause your suffering. He is not punishing you, nor is he testing you by making your life difficult.

Hope from God’s Word

The Bible explains what God will do for us in the future. Consider how this hope is helping people who have fled their homes.

The Bible says: “[God] will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.”—Revelation 21:4.

This means that we will find relief from suffering. God promises to resolve all the problems that can make life seem hopeless today.

“God will soon remedy the injustices and evil things that happen around us. That hope helps me to focus my thoughts on the day when all sufferings will end.”—Karla, El Salvador.

The Bible says: “The former things will not be called to mind, nor will they come up into the heart.”—Isaiah 65:17.

This means that we will be freed from painful memories. God will ensure that you are not forever troubled by distressing thoughts of the bad things you may have experienced.

“The Bible promises that we will not even remember the pain and the loss we have suffered. Such hope helps me deal with our difficult situation because I know that soon everything will change.”—Natalia, Ukraine.

The Bible says: “The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will . . . crush and put an end to all these kingdoms.”—Daniel 2:44.

This means that a perfect heavenly government will rule over the earth. God will soon replace all human governments with a heavenly one of his own. This government will bring true peace and security, with justice and prosperity for all.—Micah 4:3, 4.

“I get strength from knowing that problems like oppression, discrimination, suspicion, and racism are temporary—Jehovah’s Kingdom will soon put an end to all of these problems.”—Mustafa, Middle East.

Wisdom from God’s Word

The Bible’s practical wisdom can help you as you gradually come to terms with what has happened to you. It can also help you to deal with your changed circumstances, including the loss of material things. Note how the following principles are benefiting refugees:

The Bible says: “Even when a person has an abundance, his life does not result from the things he possesses.”—Luke 12:15.

How these wise words can help you to cope: You most likely feel severe shock and a deep sense of loss. But if you pause and reflect on the value of your life, you may be better able to keep any losses in perspective.

“Life is more important than material things. In certain situations, possessions or money just cannot help you.”—Natalia, Ukraine.

The Bible says: “Do not say, ‘Why were the former days better than these?’”—Ecclesiastes 7:10.

How these wise words can help you to cope: Your present situation may be very challenging, but trying not to compare it with your former circumstances will help you avoid feeling bitter.

“By accepting my present situation as it is, I am able to keep a positive outlook.”—Eli, Rwanda.

The Bible says: “Having food and clothing, we will be content with these things.”—1 Timothy 6:8.

How these wise words can help you to cope: Endeavor to be satisfied with the necessities of life. By being content, you will likely be less stressed, which can help to stabilize your emotions.

“The Bible is helping me to look at things differently, not to focus on what we have lost. My wife and I are happy to be alive and in a safe place.”—Ivan, Ukraine.

The Bible says: “All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must do to them.”—Matthew 7:12.

How these wise words can help you to cope: You will likely get along better with others if you do your best to be patient and kind. Your efforts may also counteract prejudice and help you to be accepted within the local community.

“Most people appreciate it when you treat them with respect, kindness, and love. This produces good relations between you and the locals.”—Angelo, Sri Lanka.

The Bible says: “Let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God . . . will guard your hearts and your mental powers.”—Philippians 4:6, 7.

How these wise words can help you to cope: Pray to God about your feelings, needs, fears, and worries. Such prayers can relieve anxiety and prevent you from becoming overwhelmed by your circumstances.

“I pray to God whenever I have problems, and he answers me. What I have learned from the Bible has given me real peace of mind.”—Yol, South Sudan.

“The Bible’s good advice helps me to find the inner peace I need to cope with this difficult situation.”—Valentina, Ukraine.

“It strengthens me to know that Jehovah God promises a truly better life.”—Emmanuel, Haiti

Would you like to learn more about the Bible’s promises of comfort and hope and why you can trust them? Request a free visit from Jehovah’s Witnesses. They would be happy to help you.