Messages of Hope

I think we can all agree that life is mostly good. Most days, we have everything we need and more. Most days, more people are kind to us than are rude to us. Most days, we find opportunities to take pleasure in what we enjoy: the outdoors, entertainment, time with loved ones. Most nights, we go to bed and know that the people we love are still alive, and we wake up the next morning to have them still there with us.

I started going to church because my mom made me, but by the time I was in 9th grade, I went to church every time the doors were open because I wanted to—and for all the wrong reasons. For me, church was a social outlet, not something I considered part of my spiritual journey. It was clear that most of the youth group, including a particularly cute boy, were what would be considered “the good kids.” I watched them, and I adapted my words and actions so that I sounded and looked like them, but nothing in my heart changed.

“Sorry, something came up.” Most of us have heard or spoke that phrase a time or two. Plans change, and people let us down. Disappointment is simply a part of life. We have an expectation of what our day will look like, and then in a moment, it can change. Those unmet expectations that lead to disappointment can have the power to take us to dark places.

One time when I was a teen, someone told me I was a people pleaser. I looked and said, “yeah right! I don't need to please no one.” Then I got older and I caught myself pleasing people; doing what they wanted me to without talking to God.

The Steadfast Love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning, new every morning. Great is your faithfulness, oh Lord, great is thy faithfulness. This old song and scripture verse popped into my head about 3 months ago and I have been dwelling on them ever since.