A Hopeful Existence

 

There are many facets of this life, which rob us of every positive emotion known to man (2 Corinthians 4:8). Circumstances buffet us and beat us up until we have no emotional energy left; and, sometimes, not even any physical stamina to put one foot in front of the other (2 Peter 2:9). We lose our optimism, feel hopeless and grow bitter and cynical.

We draw within our self and push other people away (Isaiah 41: 10, 13-14). We lose all hope of a better life and we have a hard time getting out of bed. Our soul - our mind, will and emotions - often deflates with worry, doubt and pessimism. Our negative self-talk beats us up. Our heart is disturbed and we see no solution to our problems.

Total surrender to God is the key to making sense of our circumstances. Relinquishing our self, our family and our future to God, and putting our worries in God's capable hands, is the only way to keep sane (2 Corinthians 9:8). God only gives us grace for today. Tomorrow's grace will not come until tomorrow.

The only resolution for hopelessness is to keep our hope in the Lord (Psalm 43:5). As we walk in obedience to His Spirit, moment-by-moment throughout the day, we find more fulfillment than we ever thought possible. Our soul finds rest only in God (Psalm 62:5). As long as we are still breathing, there is hope for our situation (Ecclesiastes 9:4).

If we dictate our plans and goals to God, He remains silent; but if we relinquish our future to His will, everything is possible (Mark 9:23). We take our eyes off our self and put them on Him. With our faith in God's faithfulness, He keeps us in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3).

Prayer:

Father God, You care about us and draw very close to those who are defeated and heart broken (Psalm 34:18; Isaiah 53:4). You not only binds up our wounds, by nursing us back to physical, emotional and spiritual health, but You also heal us by repairing the situation, which caused the injury in the first place (Psalm 147:3). We put our hope only in You and You lead us through life one step at a time (Matthew 6:31-34; Psalm 39:7).

Thought for the Day:

Our Lord is our Helper, so we have no need to fear what mere mortals can do to us. We cry out to Him in our distress and pray to Him for help, and He hears us from His sanctuary; our prayers reach His ears. - Psalm 18:8

Caring for Our Soul

At the age of 40, I realized that I am a “person” too! In the same way that I minister to the needs of other people that God brings my way, I can also minister to myself without feeling selfish or self-centered. Sometimes we sit back and complain because our spouse, our children, our friends or our parents don’t meet our relational, emotional, intellectual or even our physical needs. This shifting of blame does not accomplish anything.

Our soul care is not their responsibility, it is ours alone! This may not seem like truth to you at first. You may think that this is a selfish attitude. But, I want to assure you, that if you have not met the needs in your own spirit, body and soul – mind, will and emotions - then you will not be able to adequately meet the needs in others. You can only give from what you have.

Conversely, some people only care about their self. They are selfish, ambitious and uncaring toward others. This is an entirely different issue. If this describes you, then you would benefit from realizing that life is not all about you. If you embrace this truth, it will bring you enormous relief. This realization opens you up to all types of possibilities and frees your full potential. It will also improve your relationship with other people. As you give more love and care for others, they will care for you and love you more as well.

The Bible tells us to “Love our neighbor as our self” (Matthew 22:39). If we have not cared for our own needs, we will have no emotional, mental, physical or spiritual energy to meet the needs in others that God brings our way. If you do not feed your body, you will have no physical strength. If you do not feed your spirit, you will have no spiritual direction. In the same way, if you do not feed your soul, you will have no intellectual or emotional energy to meet your needs or the needs in others.

If we wait on God, He helps us to meet our needs in His own way and timing. Learn to laugh, love and appreciate the unique person God created you to be. Some people feel guilty about allowing others to minister to their needs. This attitude actually stems either from false pride, a lack of self-worth or from unforgiveness toward our self. Please realize that you can accept help from other people, because it comes from God.

We may also feel guilty if we do not meet all the needs of all of the people who come our way. When others ask you to do something for them, if you do not hear God saying, “Yes,” then it is much wiser for you to say, “No.” This is especially true if you are not used to refusing requests. This may take practice! The real issue here is the will of God.

If you do not feel God saying, “Yes,” then please, say, “No.” To do otherwise is disobedience to God! Then you are out of the center of His perfect will for your life and you are frustrating God’s will for that other person too. If God calls us to serve in some position at home, work, church or community, He also grants us the grace to meet these needs. If we find that we regularly lack peace in what is expected of us, then we must seek God’s will about our life. If we are out of His will, He will redirect us by His peace (Philippians 4:7).

Prayer:

Father God, we know we are walking in the center of Your will if we have Your complete peace within our spirit (Philippians 4:7). When we feel anxiety or any negative emotion, remind us to stop and pray! Help us to follow the leading of Your Holy Spirit each moment of the day. When we feel complete peace again, regardless of all the natural considerations, we will know that we are back in the center of Your will. Our fulfillment only comes as we live in Your peace.  

Thought for the Day:

Follow the Holy Spirit to do God’s will rather than allowing the compassion of your soul to lead you to meet the needs of those around you or the obligations you feel are placed on you by your position in life.