In James Chapter 1, verses 5-7 it says: If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. [NIV Bible]

I’ve been blown and tossed many times during my lifetime. I’ve feared the future (and the present), and carried my past around like a ball and chain. I know what it feels like to try to go this life on my own, and it’s been anything but comfortable. I’m one of those types of people who can seem very cheerful/confident/happy even when I’m not. I’ve felt like a fraud at the same time that I was projecting an image that wasn’t how I truly felt inside.

Getting closer to God and letting Him love me is the only remedy I know for my emotional storms. Nothing else really works. I am a work in progress, and I am still learning this lesson about staying strong and believing for the best. Being a pessimist is my default position, and this Scripture challenges me to believe that good things can and will happen in my life.

I do know that this much is true–God doesn’t want us to expect the worst so that we won’t be disappointed. He wants us to be optimistic! Knowing this is still revolutionary for me. I’m still soaking it in, little by little as I see Him working in my life. God understands that I can’t change my negative thinking overnight. He doesn’t punish me for being who I have been all my life. But He is showing me the better way–His way, not my way! My way hasn’t made me happier or healthier. My way has been a burden and an albatross. Being hopeful is healing me from the inside out. Trusting God to direct my life instead of myself is such a relief and a blessing! When I get off course, which I do, I know that I can come back to my Father who loves me unconditionally and wants a better life for me than chronic worry that things won’t work out.

In Matthew Chapter 11, verses 28-30, Jesus says, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” [NASB Bible] Let God lead you to a better, hopeful life!