Rising Up, Finding Hope - Part 3

Unexpected turns in life add spice to daily routines. However too much spice and rapid change can be disorienting and overwhelming. Imagine the young man in Jesus' parable of the lost son leaving home to find his bliss. He had plans and a pocket full of money. Yet he ended up in poverty, feeding hogs.

He was naive and spent his inheritance on his so-called friends and reckless living. Yet in the depths of personal crisis he demonstrated a sensibility  that allowed him to make a good choice. He stood up to failure and got his life back on track. The sensibility he possessed was faith in his father's compassion, love, and integrity.

If you're arrogant and hold out for everything, you may walk away with nothing. This young man returned home with an attitude of a servant. His arrogance had changed to humility. The right attitude for God to assist you in making effective choices is found in Psalm 29:9. "He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way." This can be your choice.  

Rising Up, Finding Hope - Part 2

Everyday life presents challenges that demand reevaluation of past choices. Intense conflict or crisis requires determination to set in place a desirable outcome. Reframing necessitates being open to alternative behaviors and opinions in order for conflict to be managed successfully.

The prodigal son lost his way but made a decision that changed his life. Reframing meant visualizing an alternative to the abject poverty of his body and soul. Reframing gave him courage to rise up from shame and failure and find his way home. He found hope for his life in spite of the hardships he brought on himself.

Isn't it just like God to extend his grace and mercy to us, to supply answers to hard questions, and help us find our way back home? God gives us the will to face reality regardless of how that reality is defined. He gives insight for making choices that will change the downward spiral that your life is taking. Ask him to help you do this today.