Hope

Where do you get your hope? When you are anxious or discouraged or unsettled, where do you go? I go to my faith, and more specifically to the author and finisher of my faith. He never lets me down because my peace is found in a person: Jesus. I don't need to reach a certain level to find peace. I don't need to use breathing techniques or search for inner peace from within or escape my circumstances. I don't need to read a 10 step book. I just need to go to Jesus.

Last night I was anxious. I had trouble getting to sleep because my mind was buzzing and it was too hot. Somewhat ironically we are literally in Hope and Pentti and I had decided to go to church here, so I also worried about not getting enough sleep as the countdown to my alarm got shorter and shorter. I prayed. And I eventually fell asleep.

I got out of bed a little reluctantly and got ready for church. I am so glad I did! It was so uplifting and so timely. I was so, so encouraged. I am sure lots of people took the message to heart from Philippians about not being anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, taking it to God. But I felt like the message was especially for me. And sitting there I felt God's deep and abiding love for me.

One of the lyrics from one of the worship songs said: "why should I be afraid, when you put the stars in place"? Why indeed. He is sovereign and He is good.

PS. The song is called You Shine by Brian Doerksen. You should listen to it.