Opportunity to Hope

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 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. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4-9

My entire life I’ve struggled with a glass half empty mentality. If there is a worst-case scenario, it is much easier to consider that outcome than a positive one. Taking a negative look at life does have its issues. It is right to be realistic about the harsh realities of life, but we also need to be guarded against letting that outlook promote cynicism. Relationships can then easily become obligations instead of opportunities.

Advent is an invitation to hope. It is a time pray with thankfulness, not be anxious. Why? Jesus is coming. Our relationship with him is no obligation, it is an invitation.  Before His return, we should know that God gives us His peace as a safeguard over both our heart and mind. There are plenty of reasons to think negatively, but we have a reason, not just the power of positive thinking, to think good thoughts. Jesus came and He will return. This is our invitation to hope and our invitation to think about such things.

DO THIS TODAY: Think excellent thoughts.