By May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15 verse 13
Today is my last day recording the daily devotional. Let’s see if I’m asked to volunteer again. It has been a rewarding experience. I dare say I may have been the person who most benefited from tackling this as I’ve had to read more scripture, write mini-sermons, improve my enunciation…the list goes on and on. I started this journal to sort out what Mary 2.0 looked like. I thought it would be more business focused, but these last few weeks have been quite religious focused. And maybe that’s part of the transformation of Mary 2.0?
Have you noticed a theme: trust, hope peace? There is no doubt that life comes at you hard. And that hasn’t changed from Jesus’ time (and even pre-Jesus’ life) to now. Thank goodness we have the bible as a handbook to guide us through this messy world. It’s hard not to give up when you read the news: war, pandemic, riots, murder, crime, divorce, infidelity. The list of problems, of trespasses, goes on and on. When you’re feeling overwhelmed by this barrage of negativity, get down on your knees and pray. Remember the Lord’s prayer ‘forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us’.
I’ve had a few heartbreaks in my life. I spent a portion of my 30s angry at God because I thought I had done so many things ‘right’ and wasn’t being rewarded for my good behavior. I said to Him, ‘if you’re not going to give me what I want, then I’m not going to believe in you. I won’t praise you. I won’t love you.’ I tried to make my relationship with God transactional. Thankfully, He continued to love me and patiently waited as I worked through those wrong thoughts.
Because my friends, a life without God and a life without hope is sad indeed.
A life with God is a life filled with love and hope. Be content during hard times knowing that our future lies in Heaven walking with our Lord for all eternity. Recognize the blessings that He provides every day.
Recently I attended a women’s event at church called Refresh and Renew. The speaker quoted several scriptures, which I dutifully wrote down. Guess what one of them was??? Romans 15:13. I had written this devotional prior to attending! Isn’t it fun to see God reinforce his messages to you?
Dear Lord,
Thank you for not giving up on me even when I sometimes give up on you
Hold me and love me and continue to give me hope for tomorrow.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
