Where there is HOPE there is the ability to move forward

Have you ever noticed how some people seem to be in a constant downward spiral with one bad thing happening after the next? If this sounds like you, you’re probably wondering what lessons you are supposed to be learning from all these trials. Is our lesson to have more faith, patience, tolerance, forgiveness or humility? What do we need to do to get our lives back on track and experience joy?

To begin the process, accept the fact that there is no such thing as a perfect life. There will always be storms in everyone’s life; divorce, death, illness, flat tires, basement flooding, poor decision making and so on. It isn’t possible to avoid problems in our lives or the lives of those closest to us. It is liberating to comprehend that life doesn’t need to be perfect or problem free for you to enjoy happiness and joy.

So you’re shaking your head and thinking that if only I knew your problems, I’d realize that you have more problems than anyone else. Okay, maybe your life reads like an afternoon soap opera but don’t take it personally. You are not being punished and God isn’t out to get you; however, you may be experiencing consequences from poor decisions in the past. Learn from your mistakes and if you can see where you went wrong try to avoid making the same mistakes.
Are you always waiting for the other shoe to drop? Are you constantly on the lookout for catastrophic events? You may be attracting the bad events to you like bees to honey. Change your thinking and expect the best for your life.

Have you ever talked to a friend about a problem that you think is monumental but they shrug their shoulders and say, “that’s not so bad.” Why is that? It comes down to perspective. They aren’t minimizing the situation but simply have a different viewpoint on it. It’s how you look at your problem that makes the difference. There are so many “Negative Nelly’s” out there often most problems get blown out of proportion. Experiencing more joy and happiness can be as simple as looking at your problem from a different perspective.

When things get really tough it is important to examine your priorities and distinguish the inconsequential from the significant. If you don’t decide on what’s important then someone else will and you will be running from storm to storm. Try to focus your attention on what really matters and what you want in your life-not what you don’t want.

Never forget that God has a plan for you and He is available to you 24/7 to help. You have a purpose and you have the power of God at your disposal.

Takeaways:

1. Life doesn’t need to be perfect for you to be happy.
2. Everyone experiences problems.
3. Learn from your mistakes.
4. Expect the best for your life.
5. Perception is critical
6. Understand your priorities.
7. Rely on God.
8. You have a purpose.

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