“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 NIV)
Series: Anchored in Hope
Ah! Fall is in the air! Kids are back to school, the air is cooling, and pumpkin spice is popping up everywhere! With the transition into this new season, our routines change and our schedules fill up quickly. The excitement of all the “new” may be coupled with stress, distraction, overload, and anxiety. We’re often unprepared for all that comes with season shifts.
The adventures of autumn can quickly turn into a fall of fury. If only we could turn back time to make adjustments. We could get more accomplished, choose how we spend our time and money a little more wisely, and perhaps plan better regarding the steps ahead of us. But time travel isn’t exactly an option. So, how do we cope and keep up with the sudden bustle of activity?
Before we allow ourselves to get carried away and tossed around by all the things, we need to regroup and reset—to be intentional about how and where we spend our time. To regroup means to become reorganized in order to make a fresh start. To reset means to set, adjust, or fix something in a new or different way.
The best way to reset is to return to the One who holds us in His hands, has purposed our lives, and has planned our steps. With all the activities of the new season, we very well may lose our focus on Him. But He is the foundation and the center of our entire being and doing. Our hope is established in Him—His truth, His character, and His love.
King David, in all of his doing, set his heart upon the Lord. His hope was steadfast in God. In Psalm 130:5 (NIV), David wrote:
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope.
No matter the season, waiting upon the Lord, seeking His truth, and hoping in Him should be our non-negotiable—our priority. It is in Him we find strength, hope, life, light, truth, and so much more. He has made the way for each one of us. It is our hope in Christ that steadies and strengthens us for every activity in our journey ahead. Hebrews 6:19 (NIV) says:
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
The prophet Isaiah wrote:
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)
How can we get through this next season with vitality, joy, and satisfaction? Only by a Great Reset. We must make time to seek the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. We must wait upon Him. In doing so, our hope will surely rise and we will thrive as we enjoy the festivities of this season.
Pumpkin spice may tickle our senses. The fragrance of dried leaves in crisp air may fill our lungs. Warm sweaters and cozy blankets may give us comfort. Cheering our favorite football team in the stands may provide exhilarating entertainment. But none of these temporal things will produce everlasting hope. That will only come from building our faith and trust in God.
So this Great Reset. What does it look like for you? God created each of us uniquely. What connects me to our Father could be different from what brings you closer to Him. However, for each of us to commit to RESET, there are a few simple steps we all can take:
- Block out time to seek God in His Word. To read, study, and meditate on His truth.
- Block out time to pray—to commune with Him—back and forth. Talk to Him, but also listen.
- Block out time to journal about what you learn, hear, and understand—the things He reveals to you.
- Block out time to be still, marvel at, and reflect upon His wondrous works, wisdom, and love.
God holds you in the palm of His hands. He’s numbered your days and has created you with great purpose. Don’t be distracted by all the things this new season brings. Rather, be purposeful in every activity, having sought Him first. All good things will be added to you. Trust Him with today, and all of your tomorrows, and anchor your hope in Him. After all, He has promised you hope and a good future!
Holding Fast to Hope,
Maryann
Scripture References: Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 130:5; Hebrews 6:19; Isaiah 40:31