Yes, there is always hope—and the reason is because God is concerned about these things even more than we are, and He has the power to drive us to our knees and change our hearts if we will seek Him.

In fact, some of the greatest spiritual revivals in the past occurred just when the situation seemed to be the darkest. In the history of our own nation, for example, countless thousands turned to Christ during the darkest days of the Civil War, setting the stage for national reconciliation later on.

Or take the time of King Josiah in the Bible. His father had been assassinated; the nation was in chaos; the people had almost forgotten God. But one day Josiah discovered a copy of God’s Word, and his life was changed. He then “removed all the detestable idols from all the territory … (and) as long as he lived, they did not fail to follow the Lord” (2 Chronicles 34:33).

Pray for our nation, and pray especially for those who are our leaders. In my experience, the vast majority of them are honorable and dedicated men and women who want to do what is right; only a few are driven by wrong motives. They need our prayers, and they need God’s wisdom. The Bible commands us to pray for “all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives” (1 Timothy 2:2). Think how different our world would be if we all followed that command!