In the light of hope

By Daneen James

This is an interesting time in our world. Even if you’re not experiencing financial hardship, or facing a health challenge. It’s not business as usual. Your life has likely been altered in some way. Many among us have real and immediate concerns about the days, weeks and months to come. What will happen to their lives, livelihood and families?

None of us can predict when we’ll return to work or control the government’s response. No matter how many models or trends we use, there’s no way to anticipate the global impact of the COVID -19 pandemic.

​But there is something each of us can do. Fight.

When feelings of doubt, fear and dread flood your mind and threaten to overwhelm you. Fight to stay expectant of positive outcomes. Resist the urge to be overtaken by despair. Challenge every negative, nonproductive thought and feeling, don’t let them go unchecked. Push yourself to recall positive moments and experiences. Use them as encouragement to keep going.

Inherent in every situation is opportunity, this one is no different. Is there a lesson to be learned, perspective or growth to be gained?  Take a step back. Regardless of circumstance, look for and embrace the opportunity to learn and grow. It builds character and fortifies faith.

Some days you’ll feel stronger than others. Yes, there’ll be moments when you won’t be motivated to move forward. Days that you won’t want to be encouraged. You’ll certainly encounter circumstances that cause you to question and doubt. You’ll likely have instances where you want to blame others and throw yourself a pity party. You might want to throw in the towel.

But even when you face situations that drain your energy and tax your spirit. Faith falters and you're caught up in a sea of negative thoughts and emotions. Don’t just give in and throw your hands up in surrender.

Reach for hope.

Remember nothing in life lasts for all time. You have faced crisis before. You’ve overcome adversity in the past. Though pressed on every side you were not defeated. You’re still standing. You will get through this. Not just survive but thrive.

Encourage yourself daily. Every day act to feed your faith. Overtime you’ll create a reserve that feeds you when you need it most.  You may sink, but not as low as before and you won’t stay as long.

Here are a few ideas to help feed your faith:

• Write down each of your concerns. Determine what’s in your control to address the concern. Take whatever action you can. Whatever is outside of your control, tell God about it and ask for His help and peace.
• Read a scripture each day, be reminded of God’s power and promises. Consider: Philippians 4:6-7 and 2 Corinthians 4:8-10. 
• Look for reasons to be grateful. Small to big - write them down, say them out loud, share them with others.
• Watch videos that affirm your faith – sermons or messages on YouTube.
• Listen to podcasts that inform and inspire you.
• Pray privately for and with family/friends.
• Send encouraging texts 
• Look for ways to help or uplift others 
• Post or share uplifting messages on social media.
• Give yourself an outlet - journal to express your feelings without judgement.
• Get up, take a shower, fix your face. Get dressed, comb your hair, shave, paint your nails. Ready yourself for the day. Your outside positively impacts your inside. 
• Tell God Thank you – regardless of what it looks like - thank Him for what He’s doing and how He’s working.

Faith feeds faith. The more you do the thing you know is right. The more you’re convinced that what you’re doing is right.


Get more on this and other topics:
Book Daneen as a speaker:
https://www.daneenjames.com/contact.html 

Connect and receieve updates about Daneen's upcoming book: https://www.daneenjames.com/contact.html 

Feed someone’s faith with a card:
https://www.daneenjames.com/shop.html

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Daneen James is an inspirational author, speaker and develops uplifting
products and media through her company, SPARKSAFLAME. 


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