Week of: 1/4/21 Sharing by: Pam Crawford
HOPE IS IN THE AIR "I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you." - John 14:19
Like so many of you, my mind and my
physical body are exhausted by the events of 2020 and it’s time to be reminded
that HOPE still has a name, and that name is JESUS CHRIST: Wonderful
Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of
his government and peace there will be no end – Isaiah 9:6-7.
As I am packing away all
the Christmas and New Year’s celebratory materials, it came to my mind that I
am never to pack away what these two days actually represent. They are not just
American holidays; they are truths that point us to a renewed HOPE, even in
that which we cannot understand. Dealing with COVID-19 myself in 2020,
personal loss of my younger sister and parents, along with a current set of
circumstances that are completely out of my control; well let’s just say I am
hanging on tightly to my desire for fresh hope. Without it I can guarantee you
that there would be little chance of rising above hard days. Hopelessness is
floundering in your own strength in a world that has no lasting means to calm
the anxious heart. There is a better way.
“Peace I leave with you;
my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let
your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. You heard me say, ‘I am going
away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am
going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now
before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. – John 14:27-29
Instead of being without
hope we can determine there is a better use of our valuable energy. Today I
simply choose to praise with a heart of gratitude as I look ahead to better
days. Below are some inspiring resources for those of us tempted to despair. I
know I am not alone in this so I encourage you, in your own quiet time, read
and listen to the links and begin this New Year on a positive and hope-filled
note.
A blessed New Year to you
and yours.
In Christ by grace, Pam
Staying devoted when our souls are depleted. https://proverbs31.org/read/devotions/full-post/2021/01/06/staying-devoted-when-our-souls-are-depleted
Messy pages make the most
beautiful masterpieces. https://girlfriendsingod.com/messy-pages-make-the-most-beautiful-masterpieces/
Music: Peace https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uW6xcmqfiY4
Praise you in the storm –
Natalie Grant https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fo0A7jpLsk
©2014 Getting The Word Out. Used by Permission. Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in its entirety or in unaltered excerpts, as long as you do not charge a fee. For Internet posting, please use only unaltered excerpts and provide a hyperlink to this page. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by Getting The Word Out. Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: By Pam Crawford. ©2014 Getting The Word Out. Website: pmcrawford.blogspot.com
