Any Given Day: 39

Newness.

We love new things! New cars, new clothes, new jewelry, new houses, new....things...

New situations, not so much. Why do we fear the unknown? What is it about being presented with new possibilities paralyzes us? We hang on to old and familiar places, people, jobs, and unhealthy relationships far longer than God wants us to. Why?

What if we embraced the newness of each day as an exciting adventure? Can we be inspired by a new set of circumstances instead of intimidated by it? How do we stop craving the familiar and start welcoming the change?

God will continue to push us in new directions. He knows it is vital to our growth, our sense of self, and His glory. Our lives are wide open with possibilities, yet we cower in the dark corners because they feel safe. A prayer for those of you today who may be frightened of a larger life:

Lord, you know that there is more out there for me. You want me to live fully and seize the opportunity that you have so graciously extended to me. Please help me to see where my fear is stopping me. Give me the strength and courage to face rejection and failure in order to grow and prosper. Thank you for your blessings! With Jesus at the heart of my decisions, AMEN

Jeremiah 29:11

Any Given Day: 27

Hope

How many times have we looked upon a situation with no hope? We worry and fret over what might happen as though our thoughts can change the outcome. Lack of hope sucks our energy, depresses our mood, and kills our motivation. "Why try?" we ask.

Hopefulness is the brother of faith. Knowing that God's will is what can and will be done allows us to relax, focus our attention on what we can do in the here and now, and let the chips fall as they may.

We want certain things. We meditate on them to the point of obsession. Hopefulness is an attractive virtue, and it is different from wishful thinking. We can wish for stuff, money, jobs, and for things to go our way. Hope requires a different perspective. Living hopefully means knowing everything we want isn't coming today, but we aren't getting down about it.

Living in the light, we can walk with a hopeful attitude, reminded always, that God has our best interests at heart. If we are living according to His plan, and really taking the time to get to know Him, we someday get to have it all!

For those whose sense of hope is waning:

Precious Father, I fear an uncertain future. Life is not right side up and I need your help. Show me what hope looks like, and remind me of the goodness of people and the greatness of Your Son! Help me to stay focused on Your plan instead of my own, so that I can walk with the assurance that a beautiful future awaits! AMEN

Romans 15:13