This 'past week has had me reflecting a lot and feeling the need to write and capture the things going through my head....except, I am apprehensive for personal reasons. I have had many discussions in my head, more than you will ever realize. I've actually taken these discussions to my husband...and he agrees. I am SO relieved!
But here I am, attempting to write down my thoughts while guarding myself. Is that even possible? I will try because here is the thing....I DO have HOPE! And I want to share...this past year has had a lot of people questioning who they are, what is really going on in the world around us, and what do they actually believe as they interact with it all. We all have to admit, there is a lot going on 'out there'...
So where do we find ourselves grounded? What direction do we focus on? Do we listen to some of what is going on? If so, who? There are so many things to worry about and consider? We have family, children and friends to consider. The bigger questions...who do we trust in all of it?
Well, this is where my HOPE comes from! The firm Word of God! When I focus on my faith and being a Christ follower...everything else fades away. I gain so much more from focusing on the right thing... So what does the Word tell us?
God is in control!
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my
ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” Isaiah 55: 8-9
We are NOT to fear! Lots of people have lived in fear, locked in their homes, afraid to live life this past year. What has that gained them? We as fellow believers have not been given an attitudes of fear but one of boldness to serve and follow the commands of Christ.
"It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31: 8 In fact, it says over 360 time to not be fearful in scripture. When we let fear take over, it brings so many other negative things enter our lives. Taking the worry out of living is so freeing...and less to think about. Who wouldn't want that in their lives?
In Phillipians 4:6 it says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
John 14:21 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." PEACE, how amazing is that...and perfect peace at that.
God's hope is a promise we can count on. What do we need to grasp hold of it? Stay in his word, pray and ask for wisdom, peace and strength. Most importantly, trust Him. He's got it and loves you more that you could ever imagine.
Got HOPE? Yes! Anything is possible with HOPE? Yes, ANYTHING!
