Remember the Good Things: Choosing Hope in Christ

When I was a teenager, I’d lived enough life to have some memories. And like we do, in conversation, I’d recall things that connected with whoever I was talking with at the time. Maybe they were sharing a story about a camping trip they took, and I’d share about the ones I was on. Or they’d talk about a special birthday they had, and I’d note one from my life that I also enjoyed. That was true with just about anyone I spoke to, including my dad.

I’ve shared before about life lessons my dad would communicate to me and my brother as we grew. Different reminders about things along the way, I still think about today. And one of those things he’d often say (and still does) would be “remember the good things.” As in, when you think back about the stuff you’ve experienced, keep your focus on the good parts. Yes, the car might have broken down on the way to the beach – but remember the great time that you had when you got there. Yes, you might have gotten sick that Christmas – but remember that was one of the best Decembers you had with grandpa before he left this earth. Remember the good things, and dwell on those.

There is no doubt this world is full of trouble; the Bible tells us that. And I, maybe like you, can get so focused on the bad and the challenges that it distorts my hope in Christ. It can begin to cause me to think mostly about the bad, to prepare for the bad, and to expect it even. Romans 12:12 tells us to “rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Meaning, yes, the challenges will be around sometimes, but it is not our goal to prepare for every one that may never come. Or to let our lives be ruled by what’s happened to us or what we’ve done to ourselves.

Rather, it is to live with hope, knowing that Christ will be there in whatever lies ahead. To look for him patiently, knowing he will make good of all things for those who love him. To constantly seek him, and in so doing be given peace and joy because He is unchanging. My father would say all that in this way – “remember the good things.” Dwell upon the good God has made and is making of your life and in the world around you  - this is where hope is found. Because in all these things, Christ can be found.

You pray for me, and I’ll pray for you as the Lord shields us from dwelling on anything else. Let us find ourselves in hope together. And let us find ourselves here together! This month, we have a wonderful outreach opportunity in our Trunk-R-Treat/Fall Festival, along with our ongoing ministries – so join us!

Hopeful,

William