I’m sure you’ve listened to the news . . . read the newspapers . . . listened to podcasts. Subsequently, you know the world is really struggling right now. In essence, that’s why we should explore what it looks like to have hope in terrible times.
I’m sure you’ve heard the short quote – “life is good.” In fact, I even have a yellow T-shirt with that quote on it. When times are good, it’s easy to believe this is true. However, when times get tough, it takes resolve to fully believe Jesus makes life good.
But! He does make life good. In today’s content, we’ll explore how this is true no matter what happens in your life. Naturally, this content gives you a boost into living well this New Year.
When you think of “refreshing and rare,” who comes to your mind? What character qualities define this person? I’m guessing they are courageous, personable, persevering. Further, I imagine they are kind and gentle, as well as strong and honest. Most of all, the person who comes to your mind probably lives with hope.
As you enter this next year, you need hope, too. The next 12 months provide opportunity to manage, enjoy, and problem-solve in your life. Thankfully, God provides refreshing and rare hope for every day.
Happy New Year! May it be a good one for you! Now, to set the tone, here’s a quote from C.S. Lewis – “There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” With this insightful observation, let’s explore 10 points to start this year well.
This week, I get to say – HAPPY NEW YEAR – to you! Of course, it’s also an opportunity for a fresh new start. So, let’s look at some action points for a great start with strong traction this next year.
I remember one Christmas years ago – I almost missed Christmas! That experience was a “wake-up call.” In my busy life, filling roles and carrying out responsibilities – all the Christmas preparations pulled me off track. I asked God to show me what happened and how to avoid it in the future. That’s when I learned how to pause at Christmastime.
And it works! Now, I use a “pause” all through the year.
Do you need to pause a bit more this Christmas?
During a season filled with peace and joy, it’s painful to experience grieving at Christmastime. But that’s what many people do. They celebrate. Simultaneously, they grieve.
There are always losses in life. Sometimes, these losses almost consume the space meant to be filled with peace and joy. Strategically, there are ways to keep these spaces free for healthy processes – even at Christmastime.
Many cherished Christmas carols talk about peace. Consider Silent Night – “sleep in heavenly peace.” Or, Hark The Herald Angels – “peace on earth, goodwill toward men.” Yes, for centuries people have yearned for peace. Particularly, peace at Christmastime.
Let’s face it. This world really needs peace. Interestingly, peace starts in each individual heart. Equally, lasting peace only comes from the “Prince of Peace” – Jesus Christ.
So, peace at Christmastime . . .
I can’t think of a better way to begin this content – purpose-filled living – than to quote a good authority on the subject.
“Your most profound and intimate experiences of worship will likely be in your darkest days – when you heart is broken, when you feel abandoned, when you’re out of options, when the pain is great – and you turn to God alone.” (Rick Warren)
This insightful quote leads us into our discovery today.
Someone’s hanging from a high ledge, ready to fall! They’re yelling for help and losing strength. Now, they hold on with only one hand. You know emergency teams will never make it in time. Frantically, you grab a nearby sturdy tarp and enlist five or six strong-looking by-standers to hold tightly on corners and sides – a “make-shift” life-net directly below. Realizing the person is about to fall, yet is filled with fear, you yell, “Let go. It’ll be OK.”
This is #6 in a series on hope.
