At the beginning of a new year, we often think that everything will be different. We wake up January 1st with an attitude that life is going to be okay because we are starting fresh. But then, as we mark a few days off the calendar, we realize we are settling back into the same routine. We seem unaffected by “the new.” We feel that nothing, except the calendar year, has changed.

But that isn’t necessarily true…

I don’t know about you, but I’m determined to let hope rise regardless of whether my situations look the same or not. I’m tired of the shackles. You see, 2014 had me feeling locked up, weighted down, and even a little dead inside.

Below are what I like to call my three anchors of hope:

1. I believe in hope.

So much so, that I wrote a whole book about it. I know that God whispers it every day. Each morning as I awaken, I am completely aware that Jesus spent the whole night singing the most beautiful melody over me as I slept. He stands there handing me new mercy, and It’s like the sweetest breakfast I’ve ever tasted. He’s there. He’s waiting.

2. My faith is everything to me.

From the time I accepted Jesus into my heart He has transformed my entire world. I know that I don’t take one breath unless He provides the air, and something about that propels peace. I’m in love with my Savior, with His word, and His plan for my life.

3. Even when I don’t feel Jesus, I still believe in Him.

The “stills” are more important that any of us will ever be able to comprehend this side of heaven. When we are in the midst of the struggle, we must still believe. When in the middle of the battle to survive the heartache, we must still believe. When we are trying to wash the taste of death out of our mouths so that we can face another day, we must still believe.

Now, those are the three anchors of hope that keep me going. And here are three reasons why I was waiting to kick 2014 out the door…

1. 2014 was one of the hardest years of my life, I lost a parent, and I’m still working through it.
2. In the middle of my deepest pain I’ve been wounded by a number of different situations, and the marks are evident.
3. I’ve been wrestling, and still am, with a HUGE decision.

I’m ready for change. I’m waving my hand, jumping up and down, and saying, “Let’s go God. Use it! Use me!” I’m holding onto more hope than I ever have before, because I know what God can do, and I’m ready to see His miracles all over again. In faith, I’m expecting a move of God in 2015. And I want you to do the same!

I’m going to be conducting a little experiment with my close friends. We often get together for dinner one Saturday night a month, and this coming weekend, I’m going to have each person write down what they would like to see God do in their life. (Oh, and, by the way, I’ve not mentioned this to them yet. Haha! So, you know who you are, and I’m looking at you!) I also want us to write down what we can do to seek the Savior on a deeper level. And next New Year’s Eve, I want us to open them together and talk about what God did throughout the year.

My Challenge for You:

I want to challenge you to write down your three anchors of hope, and then write three reasons you were ready to say goodbye to 2014. Find an accountability partner, or a whole group of friends, and write down your spiritual hopes and dreams for 2015. Believe that much more has changed than just the calendar year. Believe in hope, my friends!

Would you consider sharing your three anchors of hope in the comments? I would love to hear them!

Have a beautiful Monday!

Love,

Jennifer