Hope carries us. One year closes and another year begins. Are we ready for this transition?
What does it mean to experience hope?
Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Life is a long road of happenings. Some are very pleasant and others are downright awful. The biggest thing that keeps us putting one foot in front of the other is hope. All of us place trust in the unseen throughout the day. Hope is an active in our lives because God, our Creator, is the God of hope. We are made in His image to be hope-bearers. Intrinsic to our nature is indwelling hope.
Choose to carry hope into the New Year.
We can look back and recap our days. However, looking ahead means we walk into an unknown mysterious journey of 365 days. It’s exciting to think of life as a story and January 1. 2020 being the first chapter of many yet to be written this year. That shouldn’t frighten us if we decide how to cope with future disappointment and heartache before they come our way.
Think of money management. It’s just as important to create a plan for responding to life’s ups and downs as it is a spending plan. This simple maneuver helps keep our spirits and emotions in check and in God-honoring places. For instance, a couple expecting a baby will plan to have a crib, diapers, and other baby things on hand before the delivery date. They hope the birth will be easy and uncomplicated. But that doesn’t always happen. So they think ahead and hope remains. Preparing mentally makes a surprise moments less unnerving.
Know where hope comes from.
Pray about everything. God is listening. The Bible uses the word hope multiple times. (Scriptures quoted are from the New International Version.)
Romans 5:5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Psalms 62:5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.
Psalms 33:18 But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.
Acts 2:26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope.
Hope is the lightest load we’ll ever carry.
From the above Scripture passages, key words can be found. Those grabbing my attention are: God’s love, no shame, joy, peace, trust, overflow, Holy Spirit, power, rest, unfailing love, heart glad, and tongue rejoicing.
What words stick out for you? Or, what verse, from this less-than-complete-list, might bring hope to mind when needed most?
Have a Happy, Hope-filled, God-infused, New Year!
Great article. I’d be interested to know what books you recommend for self improvement, building discipline, reaching goals, and godly parenting.
I appreciate your comments and interest in parenting, self-growth, etc. You are on the right path. Rick Johnson at https://betterdads.net/ is a solid resource for family matters. He lives what he speaks and writes. And on my website http://www.rebuildingfamilies.net there is a resource link that will help further. It is by no means complete but might give you more concepts to grab hold of. Anything by Les and Leslie Parrott is good stuff, too. We live in an age of wonderful Christ-based family and self helps. I am thankful.
Tom, I sent you an email reply but perhaps you didn’t receive it. There are many wonderful resources. Some are found on my website below the links. http://www.rebuildingfamilies.net
Rick Johnson of Better Dads is a source that’s worth looking at.
Hello Maxine. Thank you for resending your reply, now I got it. I wonder why the one you send on January 4 didn’t come through… One thing I look forward to in heaven is all these mysteries and many more will be made known to us. I will take a look at the authors you suggested, as well as your website and attached links. Thank you so much. Look forward to meeting you in person.
I could be looking for those same answers Tom. It will be a pleasure to meet you.
A good word to start the New Year! Thank you Maxine. Hope does not disappoint us who have put our hope in the living God.
You are so right Beth. Thanks for commenting.
Excellent–ohhhh, if only peeps would all listen to your wise counsel and dear heart… And, that photo of you is THE BEST EVER! I love you.
Acts2:26 I’m going to adopt this scripture for my new year! My hearts desire is to be able to walk again without limping. I am changing my lifestyle to take the weight off my knees, water aerobics to strengthen my knees, walking in the pool for a half hour before aerobics and gradually increase to an hour. Hoping to have knee replacement surgery in June. Accepting hope for my broken body!
Thank you Tammey. Choosing a verse to start the New Year is such a positive thing. I pray your goals are realized. Maxine