As we approach the end of 2020 and the beginning of a New Year full of uncertainty, it’s a powerful time to choose hope.
But you may be afraid to hope and be let down again. 2020 was a year full of disappointment: canceled events, lockdowns, loss of normalcy, racism, social unrest, financial strain, fear for the future, and so much more.
It’s been anxious, painful, and lonely. It’s understandable that we would guard against falling into a pit of pain by calming down our hopes.
But without hope we have nothing! All good things come from hope.
Hope is the anticipation of God doing something good for you. The Bible says hope is the spring for faith and love (Colossians 1:5). Also, “Hope is an anchor for your soul” (Hebrews 6:19).
To hope in God is to trust that the Sovereign Lord is your loving Father who is just like Jesus. Even in your trials God is truly bringing good to you — in your life, character, and eternity. But we need eyes of faith to see this spiritual reality.
Connecting with a soul friend who gives us empathy helps us not to give into fear but to keep hoping in God.
This gives us courage to hope. Because even if we’re disappointed and go through loss or pain we’ll be okay in the embrace of our friend that ministers God’s grace.
We’ve gathered some of our most popular posts and podcasts of this last year to encourage you and your friends to put hope in God as you enter 2021. The Lord’s empathy and grace will sustain you!
Articles & Blog Posts:
- Soul Care and Coronavirus
- Coronavirus Bible Verses
- A Simple Prayer to Increase Your Energy
- Feeling God’s Love Despite Social Distancing
- Praying Your Emotions to Feel God’s Love
- Fear Not 365 Days a Year
Soul Talks Podcasts:
- “Fear Not” the Coronavirus? Empathy and Courage are Needed
- Dallas Willard’s 3 Keys for Prayer
- Dallas Willard’s Personal Devotions
- Turning Social Distancing Into Solitude with Jesus
May God bless you, your family, and your ministry as you lean into Jesus’ loving presence.
Happy New Year!
Bill & Kristi
PS If it would give you joy to donate to support the ministry of Soul Shepherding you can do that on our website: Donate Now.
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Listen to this week’s SoulTalk: This episode was recorded in the summer of 2017. God is always present loving us and inviting us to join the wonderful things he’s doing. C.S. Lewis calls this “Narnia.” But if we’re “checked out” emotionally, we miss out. To help you experience the in-breaking of Christ and his Kingdom of the Heavens, Bill tells the story of an alcoholic pastor he helped into recovery.
