Thoughts of Things Above Give Hope

Hello. I woke up this morning in a bad mood. Lack of sleep, a brain that would not shut down overnight and a long to-do list just put me in a bad place. I was filled with anxiety, doubt, some slow-boiling anger, and a pity party at the same time. My mind was full of stress, worry, angst, and discontent. I was not off to a good start, and it was still early. Coffee didn’t fix it. Reading the newspaper didn’t help at all, in fact, it made it worse. A conversation with a friend didn’t help because I faked my way through the entire time. I was miserable, but I didn’t share it. I chose to keep it to myself. What a terrible decision.

And then...my phone went off. It was a FaceTime call from my son, and the first face I saw on the screen was my baby grand-daughter, Hallie Blake! She didn’t say a word, she just cooed and stared at me. She reached through the phone, touched my heart and ALL of the bitterness, angst and frustration melted away like an ice cube on a hot day. Thank you Jesus!

When I finished the phone call, I felt different. I was lighter. I was calmer. I was smiling. I began to ask myself, what changed? The answers were simple. My heart, mind, countenance, perspective, body and hope changed because of where I was looking!

What do you look at first thing in the morning? When I look at news, my phone, the state of the world or my crowded schedule first thing in the morning, it’s no wonder my hope disappears. I wonder what would change in all of us if we followed the instruction of God’s wisdom:

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8-9, NIV)

What a thought, filling your mind with hope-filled contemplation can lead us to a place where we are hopeful!

Romans 8 says, “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace”....and I believe, hope. (Romans 8:6, NIV)

My friend, take a moment with me and think about anything that brings you joy. Whatever it is, a special friend, a favorite place, a favorite food, take a moment and thank God that He filled your life with that blessing. Now, instead of thinking about the state of the world, think about the pure majesty of God. Think about the truth that He is in control and that you are safe in Him! Hand over all of your worry and anxiety, and receive His peace and hope.

Jesus, we receive your hope right now. You are above all so we set our minds and hearts on You. Fill us with Your love right now. Amen.

Fill your mouth with encouraging words. Fill your day with margin to welcome divine interruptions. Fill your mind with focus on God. Fill your heart and mind with thoughts of things above. I can’t wait for tomorrow as we become more hope-filled and then hopeful!

Never forget my friend...

You are a miracle!

Grant