I told my friend yesterday, “My heart is stirring.” In explaining why, she understood. Her heart was stirring as well. So, she and I made a decision. We decided to draw a line in the sand, so to speak. We are choosing to live in hope each day, despite the negativity that’s surrounding us in this world.
Friend, I invite you to join us.
Everywhere I turn as of late I see despairing news of how these are “dark days.” I hear warnings that the “darkest days” of this pandemic are ahead of us this winter. That the second wave of this pandemic will be worst than the first. Someone I respect earlier this week spewed in my ear the most negative words referring to these “dark days.” After leaving this person’s presence, it’s no wonder I had the biggest headache, my muscles were all tense, and I had the sudden urge to eat an entire bag of chocolate.
It’s interesting how the negative words of others can affect us, isn’t it??
Honestly, I’m weary of it all. I’m weary of how doom and gloom is not only filling our social feeds, but also our thoughts, our actions, our lives. Because, friend, I believe it matters what we put into our brains. I believe it matters what and who we’re listening to, what we’re watching and reading, who we are hanging with, and how we are living our lives.
I also believe God is bigger than all of this.
And this truth is where my heart finds rest. God is bigger. And because He is, I can live in hope.
You can, too.
I think it’s safe to say (or write) we’ve all had dark days. Right? The days after my parents passed were dark. The days after 9-11 were dark. Also were the days after August’s derecho in this area. But, because God was with me in those days, light was still present, even in the darkness. His light is what got me through. His light was what continued to illuminate my path when I couldn’t see the path on my own.
God, all at once you turned on a floodlight for me! You are the revelation-light in my darkness, and in your brightness I can see the path ahead.
Psalm 18:28 TPT
Since God is light, and because we know He is with us always, doesn’t it make sense to believe His light is always present in our lives? Because, truly, it always is.
Do we see it, however? Could we be so focused on the dark that we miss His light? In the difficult moments are we only choosing to see the worst and not the glimmer of hope He’s shining off in the distance? What are we choosing to set our sights on… the dark or the light?
Choosing to live in hope is a matter of perspective.
To live in hope is to focus on the Light.
Yes, it’s wise for us to be safe and take precautions to keep ourselves and others healthy in this season (and always, for that matter). Yes, it’s wise of us to be aware of the severity of this virus and to do our part to stop the spread. It’s also wise to lean on God and His light and not be afraid of the “darkness.” Because His light always shines through what’s dark.
His life is the light that shines through the darkness—and the darkness can never extinguish it.
John 1:5 TLB
We can take precautions, yet choose to live in hope.
All at the same time. Constantly looking for God’s light in this world, and sharing it with others. Because others might be missing His light, too. Others could benefit from His light, just like you and me. Extending to them the reminder, they too, can choose to live in hope.
Friend, take a look around you. How do you see God’s light in your corner of the world today? Would you share it below in the comments? Will you join me and my friend in focusing on His light and choosing to live in hope in the days and months to come? Let’s walk this out together, in the light of God’s presence.
God bless you, friend. Thanks for being here.
Much love,
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