Hope | From the Inside Out

Posts Tagged ‘Hope’

Happiness

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, Generosity, Hope, Joy, Service, tagged Appreciation, Blessing, Contentment, Encouragement, Gratitude, Happiness, Hope, Joy, Thanksgiving on August 15, 2013| 16 Comments »

On January 17, 2005, this title emblazoned the cover of Time Magazine: “The Science of Happiness.”

On December 5, 2008, the Associated Press released this article: “Smile! Study Says Happiness is Contagious.”

And the entire January/February 2012 issue of the Harvard Business Review was dedicated to: “The Value of Happiness.”

For over a decade now, a large group of scientists and researchers have turned their attention to the study happiness.

Some of their findings are valuable to know:

Happy people live longer. In one study, the happiest group lived nine years longer than the unhappiest group. When you consider that cigarette smoking can shorten one’s life three to six years, depending on how much a person smokes, it becomes clear the effect of happiness is huge.

Once the basic necessities of food, clothing, and shelter are taken care of, extra riches do not make people happier. Scientists think it’s because we adapt to pleasure, and it quickly wears off.

Relationships are key. The wider and deeper the relationships, the happier we’re going to be.

As the researchers have studied happy people, they have discovered common characteristics. Happy people tend to:

A. Notice more of the positive details of their lives. These people have learned how to savor the small, joyful moments as well as the memorable, euphoric ones.

B. Appreciate more. Grateful people even sleep better!

C. Think optimistically. Those who have a sense of purpose, who look forward with hopeful expectation to the future, are more satisfied with their lives.

D. Give generously of their time and resources. Researchers discovered that it was the giver who actually reaped more benefits than the receiver.

E. Empathize with others. They have learned to put themselves in the place of others, in order to understand their situations. They genuinely care about others and demonstrate compassion. Researchers found that compassion contributes to health and more productive living. The side effect? Happiness.

As I’ve perused these findings, I couldn’t help but smile. Everything secular research is “discovering” about happiness is already laid out in scripture!

Take the three findings mentioned above.

1. Happy people enjoy a longer life. God says, “With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation” (Psalm 91:16). Also, “Do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity” (Proverbs 3:1-2). In other words, long life and prosperity come to those who know God and obey his Word. In fact, as his children (those who have received Jesus into their lives), we have eternal life to look forward to!

2. Riches do not guarantee happiness. Solomon figured that out eons ago. “I denied myself nothing,” he said. “Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done, and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 2:10-11).

3. Relationships are key. The most important and valuable relationship we can have is with Jesus. When we accept him into our lives, he calls us friends (John 15:15). Jesus wants to give us life to the full (10:10) so that our joy may be complete (15:11). Relationships with other Christians can also be highly gratifying. The bonds of faith and friendship forge a deep familial connection (Proverbs 18:24b).

Scripture also verifies the five characteristics of happy people:

A. Attention — to the positive details of life. The psalmists were masters at drawing our attention to the beauty and grandeur of creation, God’s amazing ability to engineer circumstances, and His glorious attributes at work in our lives. We would be wise to do the same.

B. Gratitude. Paul instructed us, “Rejoice in the Lord always…In everything, by prayer…with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God…will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:4-7). Is not peace of mind closely related to happiness? Surely we cannot have one without the other.

C. Optimism. The Christian’s optimism is not based on wishful thinking. We have a strong foundation for our hope: God himself. David affirmed that truth when he wrote, “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him” (Psalm 62:5). And what is the result of that hope? “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God…the Lord, who remains faithful forever” (Psalm 146:5-6).

D. Generosity. The researchers almost echo word for word what Jesus taught: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

E. Empathy. Compassion is an extension of generosity. As we give attention, understanding, and care to others, we experience a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment in our spirits. It is not only more blessed to give money or material goods, it is more blessed to give of ourselves.

One neuroscientist involved in the study of happiness said…

… happiness could best be described as a state of contentment.

And A.W. Pink, author of Comfort for Christians wrote…

“Contentment is the product of a heart resting in God.”

That, my friends, is the key to happiness: resting in God.

(Photo credits: newpathwaytohealing.com ; lifeingeneral.blogspot.com ; rncentral.com ; zazzle.com ; my.opera.com)

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Imagine

Posted in Book Reviews, Encouragement, Faith, God's Grace, God's Promises, Hope, Uncategorized, tagged Encouragement, Faith, God's Grace, God's Promises, Hope, Jon Bloom, Old Testament Joseph on August 12, 2013| 6 Comments »

Not by Sight: A Fresh Look at Old Stories of Walking by Faith - By: Jon Bloom, John Piper

Imagine…

…the woman caught in adultery (John 8:2-11), walking home after her encounter with Jesus. What must she have been thinking?

…Zacchaeus, the despised tax collector, coming to your door to return the money he owed you—plus four times more (Luke 19:1-10). What would have been your reaction?

…how it felt to be Joseph Barsabbas, the candidate not chosen to replace Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:26). How might he have responded?

These are just three out of thirty-five scenarios Jon Bloom explores in his book, Not by Sight: A Fresh Look at Old Stories of Walking by Faith (Crossway Books, 2013). Indeed, they are fresh, creative takes on familiar Bible stories.

And although quite short, just three pages or so in length, each vignette still gives plenty of food for thought. I found them to be compelling, insightful, and instructive—encouraging my walk of faith.

One of my favorites is “Staying Faithful When Things Get Worse.” Jon imagines what Joseph must have been thinking as a falsely accused prisoner in Egypt. For at least twelve years he endured the hellish conditions and tormenting hopelessness. Those should have been the best years of Joseph’s life—his youth. Many would have said, “What a waste.”

Imagine year nine, Jon suggests. Surely Joseph fought against depression and discouragement, even as he recited to himself the promises of God. No doubt he reviewed in his mind the stories of his ancestors—Abraham, Isaac, and even those of his own father, Jacob.

Jon Bloom imagines Joseph affirming repeatedly that, just as God had been faithful to them, he would be faithful to Joseph. Each patriarch had faced situations that seemed impossible.

Abraham and Sarah were much too old to have a child.

The older brother, Esau, would never serve his younger brother, Jacob–even if the age difference between twins was slight. That promise of God went against all tradition and logic.

Jacob was a poor runaway. He couldn’t possibly become a wealthy herdsman.

But each man and his family had been blessed, just as God had promised. Why? They remained faithful. Yes, they made mistakes and failed to obey God on occasion. But they never turned their backs on him, even when circumstances turned bleak.

Jon Bloom also imagines Joseph reaffirming his faith in God and his willingness to wait for him to act. Meanwhile, he would continue to honor God, even within prison walls.

As Jon brings the vignette to a close, he shares fresh application:

Even in the care of Almighty God, circumstances may get worse, not better. “Faith in God’s future grace for us is what sustains us in those desperate moments,” Jon says. Our hope is best placed in God, in his promises, and especially the assurance of eternal bliss in heaven yet to come.

Jon Bloom perfectly fulfills the role of a writer, as defined by Anais Nin, American author of the twentieth century: “The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say.”

Page after page, this is what Jon Bloom did for me. No doubt he will do the same for you.

(Art Credits: www.angieblattner.theworldrace.org ; www.illustrationartgallery.com )

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The Power of God-Stories

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Power, God's Presence, God's Promises, God's Provision, Hope, Uncategorized, tagged Charles Spurgeon, God, Hope, Miracles on April 18, 2013| 14 Comments »

Minnesota Blizzard 10 – 22609 (Photo credit: DavidErickson)

Maria felt compelled to make a big pot of lamb stew one winter morning. By afternoon she knew why. A blizzard paralyzed city traffic. Right down the street from her home a bus load of passengers became stranded. Maria perked coffee for them—pot after pot–and invited them into her home for the lamb stew. Gratefully and incredulously they came, about half a dozen or so at a time. The driver was the last to be served, with the remaining spoonfuls from the bottom of the pot. Maria never even got a taste! But it didn’t matter. Her heart was filled with gratitude that God had prompted her to make that stew. He enabled her to help twenty-plus stranded commuters and show them the love and grace of God.

Gordon burned his hand severely—so badly the doctor said he’d probably have to amputate several fingers. But Gordon’s mother and many others prayed, and day by day the hand got better—not worse. Today, you have to look close to even find the scar.

Nita often wears a favorite pair of gold earrings, given to her by her children. One day while golfing with her husband, she lost one those precious earrings. Nita was heartsick. A few days later, these avid golfers were again on the course. Nita prayed. “Father, I don’t know where that earring is, but you do. Please help me find it.” On the twelfth green, when Nita walked up to where her ball had landed, she saw something glinting in the grass. Not one foot from where her ball landed, there was her earring.

These stories are just three of many, recently shared by members of the Bible study I attend. Maria, Gordon, and Nita are in that group. No doubt you’ve heard stories like theirs, too. In fact, you’ve probably experienced a few miraculous situations yourself. It’s important we share our God-stories as encouragement for our faith. Our God-stories prove:

1) God’s Word is true. God is loving, gracious, faithful, and powerful.

2) We are never without hope.

3) God keeps his promises.

4) God continually blesses his children.

5) Christianity works.

Do all of these facts mean we can expect God to intervene in every difficult circumstance? No. We’d become very spoiled children if he did. But the number of times God does provide miracles goes beyond coincidence. They are indeed God-incidents.

Yet we cannot ignore the times God does not answer our prayers as we’d wish. Sometimes he does not step in to provide and protect. He does not always solve our problems for us. It’s in those situations that God works a different set of miracles: patience and perseverance (James 1:2), growth in godliness and spiritual strength, his compassion and mercy (James 5:11).

Such statements might sound glib to someone recently bereaved of a loved one, or an innocent person suffering unfair circumstances. But there are powerful God-stories from suffering saints as well.

G. lost her husband recently and was terribly insecure about living on her own. But God revealed his presence to her in a powerful physical sensation of warmth through her whole body. Although still grieving, G. has felt surrounded by God’s peace and empowering presence.

K. had always dreamed of getting married, creating a home, and raising several children. Then came her fortieth birthday. It appeared that dream was not going come true. Depression seeped into the corners of her life, even though she was a woman of strong faith. But day by day, the truths of God’s Word fed her spirit and hope began to grow again. Not the hope of marriage and a family, but hope in God’s plan to prosper her, to give her a future (Jeremiah 29:11)—albeit in a different direction.

In the final analysis, these miracles are the most wondrous of all. They are miracles of transformed hearts.

“Our troubles have always brought us blessings, and they always will. They are the black chariots of bright grace” – Charles Spurgeon.

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Hope in the Night

Posted in Dreams, Encouragement, Faith, God, Hope, tagged Dreams, Encouragement, Faith, God, God's Ways, Hope, Micah 7:7 on January 31, 2013| 8 Comments »

Hope. Such a small word for such a big, important concept.

Multi-syllable synonyms seem to carry more clout: expectation, assurance, confidence, conviction, and assumption are a few. (Thank you, Dr. Roget.)

Stir them together to create a definition for faith-filled hope: the constant, confident, assured expectation that God will see us through every circumstance until we’re standing before him in heaven. Those are words with heft that we can hang onto in the dark of night.

You see, hope is much more than wishful thinking.

But sometimes it hides behind the overwhelming issues we face: health concerns, financial problems, troubled relationships, difficult circumstances, foreboding futures.

How can we live with confident assurance that all will be well when uncertainty seems to rule the day, the week, the year?

As always, scripture offers us insight:

Understand that hope doesn’t come from a hidden reservoir within ourselves. According to 1 Peter 1:3, our hope comes from God, provided for us out of his loving mercy. It’s a living hope, breathing energy and strength into our souls.

Remember: we can live with positive expectation because He is our all-powerful, grace-filled God—loving, kind, and wise, too. He’s not just watching from afar; he’s an involved God, tending over us like an attentive Shepherd (Isaiah 40:11a).

Rest assured that our faithful God will see us through to a satisfying conclusion—either through events that unfold over time, or perhaps through an instantaneous miracle. It may be the satisfying conclusion will not come until we cross the threshold into eternity (1 Peter 5:10). But then, in the glorious ecstasy of that moment, our earthly trials will no longer matter (Philippians 1:21-23).

God’s plan is designed for our good (Jeremiah 29:11).

Hope involves waiting (Micah 7:7)—expectantly and patiently.

Sometime during second grade I noticed that being a teacher looked like fun. And soon my favorite pastime became playing school with whomever I could cajole into being students. When necessary, dolls were pressed into service.

That dream of becoming a teacher stayed with me all through school. Finally, after fourteen years, I was the one standing in front of my own class of cherubic first and second graders. My hope, my confident expectation that I would one day be a teacher, had at long last become reality. And the import of the moment was not lost on me. My eyes filled with tears that I had to quickly blink away.

happy adjustment to school: Talking With Your ...

Such euphoric joy does not happen often without waiting. We appreciate more what we have to wait for. And frequently, hard work is also involved. God allows us to be part of the process, teaching us important lessons about patience and perseverance along the way.

Here’s what I need to remember, and perhaps the realization will help you too:

Long-term waiting and steady, hard work toward a dream makes the fulfillment all the sweeter when it finally comes.

For now, we can enjoy hopeful anticipation of a new reality that is coming—a new chapter of good health, financial security, improved relationships, or fulfilled dreams. We can take comfort from the knowledge that our God, who is unlimited by the constraints of time, already resides there.

Let’s step out into each new day with trust and obedience, because God is preparing us for that new chapter. And may these words ring in our ears: “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him” (Lamentations 3:25).

* * * * * * * * * *

What hope have you been clinging to? Are there scriptures which contribute to your confidence and expectation? What experiences of the past give you assurance for your hopes of the future? Please share your insights!

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Meaningful Mishaps–on the Keyboard

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, God, God's Goodness, Hope, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, God's Goodness, Gratitude, Hope, Meditation, Obedience, Worship on January 24, 2013| 12 Comments »

Wisdom dictates that we learn from our mistakes. Better yet is to learn from the mistakes of others, and save the trouble of making them ourselves.

Listed below are a few of my recent mistakes, which may provide a learning opportunity. Actually, they’re typing errors—typos with significance!

Example #1:

Instead of thankfulness, I typed thinkfulness.

My mistake reminded me of a quote I read years ago: “If we would think more, we would thank more.”

And why is thankfulness a worthwhile pursuit? According to recent research, multiple benefits result from expressing gratitude:

• Better physical health
• Better sleep
• Better relationships
• Lower stress levels
• More optimistic attitude
• Longer life

Seems like scripture was right all along: “Whatever is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things…And the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9) That’s the bottom line, isn’t it? Peace of mind and heart contributes to the items on that list. And gratitude is key.

Example #2:

I meant to type worship, but what appeared on the screen was workship.

The truth is, worship does involve work. Not the work of getting to church on time, or the effort of tuning out distractions to focus on God. As valuable as those objectives are, there’s more.

Paul tells us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This is our spiritual act of worship (Romans 12:1). True worship involves the work of obedience.

But again, God provides benefits that far outweigh the effort. Psalm 112 reveals a number of them:

• Households are blessed (vs. 2-3)
• God’s light breaks through the darkness (v. 4)
• Goodness comes (v. 5)
• Strength develops (vs. 6-7)
• Joy and peace fill the heart (v. 8)

No doubt there are dozens more scattered through scripture. That’s one of the things I greatly appreciate about our God. When He asks us to work at something, and we comply, He generously blesses us!

Example #3:

Somehow my stumbling fingers produced medication on my computer screen instead of meditation.

It occurred to me, though, that meditating upon God and His Word works like medication to:

• Ease the aches and pains of life, such as miserable circumstances or hurtful people
• Calm the acid of frustration
• Speed the healing of stinging remarks and wounded feelings

“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul” (Psalm 19:7a)!

Example #4:

I saved the best for last. My intention was to make this point:

It is our responsibility and joy to “minister encouragement and hope into the lives of others.”

That’s what I meant. Here’s what I typed:

“Minister encouragement and hope into the livers of others.”

Wings of Encouragement

Quite silly at first glance; quite profound after some introspection.

You see, everything that goes into our body goes through the liver. It is in the liver that transformation takes place, the food we eat becoming nutrients.

Here’s the application: In order for our words of encouragement to be transformational, they must sink deep into the core of our listener. The comments need to be thoughtful and spoken with conviction. Glib platitudes will never nourish a hungry soul.

Another interesting fact about the liver: To some extent, this organ is able to remove toxins from the body. That’s what we can do with our words of hope. We can help overcome the toxins that have collected in a person’s spirit.

So, my friends, let’s:

Be thinkful in our thankfulness.

Embrace obedience as a spiritual act of workship.

Meditate on God and His Word, as medication for our souls.

Minister heartfelt encouragement and hope into the livers of others.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

And please share the outcomes of your efforts to make something meaningful out of these mishaps!

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God’s Rebuttal

Posted in Dreams, Encouragement, God's Grace, Hope, Self-Esteem, Waiting on God, tagged Dreams, Encouragement, God's Grace, God's Ways, Hope, Hopes and dreams for the future, Too old for dreams, Waiting on God on January 3, 2013| 10 Comments »

As the new year makes its entrance, a fresh breeze of possibilities and dreams fills the mind:

• Perhaps this year…

• Wouldn’t it be wonderful if…

• All things are possible with God, so…

But no sooner do I start finishing those statements with starry-eyed optimism, than some scratchy, irritating thoughts demand my attention. Thoughts such as:

• You’re too old, terribly unworthy, and under-qualified.

• You’ve already waited so long. Your dream obviously isn’t God’s dream for you. How could you have missed it so completely?

• You are wasting your time. You don’t even know what God wants. HA!

And my heart cries out: I need your Word, God, your Sword of the Spirit, to slay these lies. And though I am grateful for familiar sword-strokes such as Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11, and Philippians 4:13, to wield against the untruths listed above, a few new moves would surely strengthen my resolve. “Strengthen me according to your word” (Psalm 119:28b).

Alright, Nancy, let’s look at each statement from my viewpoint.

You are too old? Not so. Moses was eighty when he became the leader of the Hebrew nation, bringing them out of Egypt and into Canaan. Daniel served as prime minister in Babylon well past the age of eighty. John was quite elderly when he received the Revelation. Age has nothing to do with usefulness.

You are unworthy? Also not so. You are one of My chosen people, a royal priestess, who belongs to me, the King of the universe (1 Peter 2:9a). You are precious and honored in my sight because I love you (Isaiah 43:4).

You are under-qualified? All the better for my purposes! My G.R.A.C.E. (God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense) includes wisdom, power, strength, discernment, all spiritual gifts, all fruit of the Spirit, ad infinitum. My grace is more than sufficient for you; it’s all you need. “My strength comes into its own in your weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9, The Message).

You have waited too long? Think again. Abraham waited 25 years for Isaac. Joseph waited seventeen years for his dream to come true. Caleb waited 45 years for his special parcel of the Promised Land.

You are wasting your time? Please refer to Ephesians 1:11. You have been chosen. I have put into place a plan that will accomplish my will. Your singular purpose is to display my glory, that is, my attributes: love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, and more. Wherever you are. ..“whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:23).

One closing thought to keep in mind: Joseph would never have been an effective leader without training in humility and trust. Rest assured there is method and reason to every choice I make. I AM the almighty, all-wise God, your Heavenly Father.

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Welcome!

Posted in Faith, God's Grace, Hope, tagged Encouragement, Faith, God's Grace, Hope on November 5, 2012| 2 Comments »

Come on in! I’m delighted you’ve stopped by. There’s fresh coffee in the carafe–help yourself. Perhaps you’d like a cup of tea?

It would be fun to sit around a big harvest table, old and new friends together. I can picture us warming our hands on over-sized mugs. (While I’m day-dreaming, let’s add a plate of biscotti to the table!) I can also hear us chattering away, sharing our stories, and discovering with delight the things we have in common.

But soon we’d be sharing what’s important to us, too– our cares, those things that weigh upon our minds, and the life lessons we’ve learned along the way.

That’s my prayer for this blog. As we reflect together on important matters, we’ll discover like-minded people with similar concerns and goals. We’ll become friends who can:

provide strength and support,
present possibilities we may not have thought of, and
infuse each other with hope.

We’ll look to God’s Word for instruction and guidance, and then seek ways to live out those truths. We’ll invite the Holy Spirit to make impressions and foster expressions. From the Inside Out.

For example, one morning a couple of years ago, I began my quiet time by first opening my Bible instead of the study guide. “Wake up, Nancy,” I said to myself. “You don’t even know what scripture passage you’ll be studying today.”

I turned to the day’s lesson in the workbook and discovered my Bible was already open to the proper page. In fact, the verse suggested for the meditation was right at the top. I felt a strong impression from God: “Nancy, this verse is especially for you.”

Now, before I reveal the verse, allow me to explain that just a few days earlier I had received disturbing news. Hurt and discouragement fought against faith and hope in my spirit. So imagine my astonishment when I read, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand” (John 13:7).

That verse ministered to me repeatedly over the following months. I wish I could say hurt and discouragement never caused me trouble again. It wouldn’t be true. But as I sought to express my trust in God, He carried me through some difficult moments. As I expressed hope for the future, He gave me strength to press on.

God used those dark days to teach me about His grace and sufficiency. From the Inside Out.

What impression has God placed upon your heart? How is it finding expression in your life?

P.S. Before you leave, click on the About button. There you can read more about the rationale for this blog. And come back on Thursday when I share how a foggy impression became a fun and splendid expression.

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From the Inside Out

Impressions Becoming Expressions

Posts Tagged ‘Hope’

Happiness

Imagine

The Power of God-Stories

Hope in the Night

Meaningful Mishaps–on the Keyboard

God’s Rebuttal

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Nancy Ruegg

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