Hope & A Future

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,
"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, 
plans to give you hope and a future".     Jeremiah 29:11

Wow! It is a brand new year! How exciting! 
My own heart overflows with hope and excitement!
I was so excited for this year to finally arrive. I could hardly wait.
It took two full years to travel through the valley of grief, but I have finally 
made it to the other side. It felt like a two year trek through winter. 
And now, even though, when I look out my window, I see snow covering
the ground, it feels like spring has already sprung. Because it has sprung.....
inside my heart.  

I have been deeply entrenched in prayer and in God's word for the past week or so. 
I have also been reading a wonderful book called, "Hinds Feet on High Places".
Through prayer and this book, He has shown me much. I am amazed at how 
easy it is to become a slave and prisoner to fear, worry, bitterness, resentment, 
anger, and envy. My most constant companions were Worry and Fear. They nearly
paralyzed me. They weighed me down, like heavy chains and shackles around 
my arms and legs. I was a prisoner inside a cell where I held the key!
I allowed Fear and Worry to become my companions! I made them my 
companions. I could hardly believe this once I first realized it. So, this week, 
I was busy deep in prayer, asking God to set me free, to release me from 
the grip of Worry and Fear. And, wow! What a difference! I feel so free! 
But, I am aware that I will need to keep my eyes open. Because they may 
come back again. Or worse, Pride could find me. 

So, now that the grief is over, and I've thrown off the chains of fear
and worry, Hope, Peace, and Joy are beginning to grow inside my heart.
And, it feels awesome! After a very long, spiritual dreary winter, I have finally
reached the springtime in my heart! And, I am very excited to see what 
God will provide as each new day unfolds. Because He has plans to prosper
me, plans to give me hope and a future. That is pretty amazing! 

Dear Heavenly Father, 
I ask that You continue to open my eyes, my mind, and my heart wide
to receive your wisdom and understanding. Please help me to keep my
gaze fixated on You. And, remind me to not allow worry and fear to take
hold of me. That I do not need to allow them to become my companions.
Thank-you, Shepherd, for walking with me through this life. 
In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.