I don't mean to scare you with this statement but I believe the end times are near. There are many signs that Jesus is on his way back to Earth. Yet, this blog isn't about the end times at all...it's all about hope and why you should be living in it every day.
Just watch the news (CNN, anyone? aka the Chicken Noodle News, haha) or listen to today's music on the radio and even watching tv or movies, and it's easy to see why so many people are depressed. This world is filled with negative, critical, ignorant, death talk and not enough hope, love, or faith.
Yet, as someone who has suffered from medical depression, I know even all those outside sources aren' the only things to blame for the state of the world. Continuous trials and trying circumstances can and will get you down if you let them.
The key to living a hopeful life is surrounding yourself with hope and stop talking so much about your problems and the problems of the world.
Unless you are going to say something from God's word regarding the situation, the best thing you can do is Be still and know that he is God. (Psalm 46:10).
Suggested ways to live in continual hope
Pray One Bold Prayer a Day
The only way to see anything positive happen in your life is to exercise your faith. And the best way to exercise your faith is to pray. If you have hope, you're never afraid to believe big. You have not because you ask not. (James 4:2). And quit believing that God doesn't want to be good to you.
God loves you more than you will ever understand, and he has a good plan for your life. You are never alone because he is with you all the time. God's forgiveness is greater than any sin you have committed. His mercy is new every day. As a believer, God has given you power, and you do not have to live a defeated life. Have a need? A dream you want to see fulfilled? Talk to God about it in prayer, much the same way you would a close friend, a family member, or your therapist. There is no formula. God just wants to hear from you. Start with Hi God, I need you, and the rest will follow.
Do Something Fun Each Day
You don't have to go to Disney every day to be hopeful and full of joy. It could be something as simple as coffee with a friend, watching a comedy with your family, or a walk in the park---anything that brings a smile to your face.
For example, yesterday my mom and I played the board game Trouble for the first time in many years and we had a blast! Today, I worked out and sang the entire time. For me, that was fun.
The key here is to enjoy life NOW! Don't wait until tomorrow, retirement, or that vacation to enjoy your life. Find a way to enjoy every single day!
Bless at least one person each day
Give someone a compliment
Tell someone how much they mean to you
Pray with someone who's having a rough day
Buy someone's lunch or a coffee
Write Down at least one way each day that God blessed you
Every night, I write in my blessings journal, and thank God for the blessings from that day. A grateful attitude produces great things to happen, plus it creates a joyful atmosphere. The more you are aware of what God's done in your life, the more your faith will increase for what you are hoping for.
I hope this blog encouraged you and if you want to know more or need some more HOPE, please check out Get Your Hopes Up! by Joyce Meyer. It's a short book filled to the brim with words of encouragement and ways to become more hopeful. It reads like a heartfelt letter from a long-lost friend.
Until next time, remember:
God is the only one who can make the valley of trouble a door of hope. -Catherine Marshall
Love Times Infinity,
Chelsea
xoxo
God Bless!
~Just Keep Swimming!~
These are great points. I don't think worrying or panicking would do us any good. Preparing our hearts for the coming is a much wiser way to spend our time. :)
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