“Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you. Then your face will brighten with innocence. You will be strong and free of fear. You will forget your misery; it will be like water flowing away. Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Even darkness will be as bright as morning. Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety. You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help. But the wicked will be blinded. They will have no escape. Their only hope is death.” Job 11:14-20 NLT
Today was a false start morning. Hoping to beat traffic, avoid the rush, and arrive at the office to complete unfinished work from the previous day, I awoke more than an hour earlier than usual. With it still being dark outside as the nights have just started lasting longer than the days, I completed shaving my face and brushing my teeth. The next step would have been taking Famous for a walk before taking my shower, but my body was not quite ready to respond. I knew I would be in trouble if I did not stop to let my body catch up with my awakened mind. So I grabbed a pillow and throw off of the sofa and lay down on the living room floor knowing the ticking grandfather clock would not allow me to sleep past the chiming of the quarter hour. Within a minute Famous had found me and had curled up next to me on the floor, enjoying an extra rest before the second start of our day.
At times we live our lives as if there is no other hope, as if we have given in to the fear and the evil around us. But God always gives us another chance to receive his rest and protection. We first have to admit there is something wrong, that we cannot go on on our own strength. Then God’s peace can wash away the uncertainty that led to our lost hope.
Today, Christ, be my fountain of hope and allow me start over again.
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