Hope is the Thing

A few years ago (in this post), I wrote about choosing a word for the New Year. I don't often make big January resolutions, but sometimes I do choose a word to think about over the coming year--one that represents a theme or subject I want to ponder. 

This year, I was surprised to find that my mom, sister and I all picked the same word!

That word is HOPE.

What am I hoping for in 2017? Well, of course, there are things I would like to see happen. However, it wasn't so much about that for me. When I thought of the word "HOPE," I wasn't hoping for a new car, job or house. I wasn't hoping the country would change or my circumstances would change. . . or even that the weather would change. I wanted us to change. People to change. I want the ones I care about to breathe HOPE during this new year.

A darkness seems to hang over many people these days. Do you feel that? A pessimism. A sense of doom and defeat. Hopelessness.

In 2017, I want more HOPE.

HOPE that God will work all things together for my good.

HOPE that He will make a way in places where things seem impossible.

HOPE that He is not finished with us yet, but will keep growing me up and making me stronger, better, kinder, even more like Him if I let Him.

HOPE that I will be more faithful to do what's important this year, living a life of peace and joy and wisdom.

HOPE that no matter what dark valleys lie ahead for 2017, God will bring moments of beautiful, surprising joy and light. No one knows how to give better gifts than He does, and I look forward with HOPE to seeing what He has in store for me--things that I can't even imagine. I look back on such wonderful blessings and know more are ahead.

So, just as I wrote back in 2014, I am looking forward to a lot of wonderful things this year.  I am still choosing joy and trust over fear and worry. So much awaits us in 2017.  And HOPE in God's promises will never disappoint us, because He always keeps them!

Sometimes we won't get what we want. Even what we really, really, really want. I want my loved ones happy and whole and here with me, and sometimes, that doesn't happen. I want more peace in the world. I want less crime and hate and pain. I can't put my hope in this failing, broken world. I can't put it in people--even people we should be able to trust. They can't fix the world or my life. God, however, can. God can give me everything I need. God can--and will--walk with me through the fires and valleys. And I can hold my head up high, while we walk together with HOPE.

Happy New Year!