A Hope and a Future: God's Blueprint for Unbridled JoySample

Hearts and Minds

Jesus loves you. We've heard it a thousand times in songs and sermons, yet it never seems to lose its sweetness. Over the next three days, we are going to unpack some of the amazing implications of that love. The love that God loves us with includes affection, but it goes so much deeper, too. God's desire is beyond you merely surviving; He wants you to have unbridled joy. He wants you to experience a vibrant and thriving faith that fills your entire being with meaning and purpose. Living this way will completely transform your life and renew your mind and heart to their original design.

However, the methods He uses to develop these things in us are often not what we would choose for ourselves. We want His promises but not His ways. We desire growth and flourishing but resent the process God lays out for us to get there. You might be fearful of what He would require of you. Perhaps it's a relationship ending or giving up a sinful habit. Or maybe you've become complacent with a "Sunday faith." Maybe you believe that complete obedience to Scripture would be a *little* bit better, but you're satisfied with where you are if you get to be in control of your life Monday through Saturday.

Consider this: If you believe that God really does have a good future in mind for you, then you must also believe He knows the best way to bring it about. We must choose to submit to His process of transforming and renewing our hearts and minds to be aligned with His. We need to remind ourselves that His ways are better. He designed us, He has the blueprint, and He has good plans for us.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for Your plans for my life. I submit to Your ways, Your paths, and Your timing. Help me return to You in submission and with gladness. Give me the humility to repent from my sins today and renew my mind to follow Your commands. I want what You want for me. I place the authority of my life in Your loving hands because I trust You. Amen.

Songs from "A Hope and a Future" for Reflection: A Hope and a Future, Running to You