Place your trust in Him

"I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 NLT

“At 90, great-grandmother has been running a 10K for 32 years in a row," was the story headline that caught my attention yesterday. And as I read about this 90-year-old great-grandmother, I had to smile. Christine Beard, who was 58 when she first took part in the Fourth of July Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta, has now participated in the 6.2 mile event for more than three decades. At 90, Beard lives independently, drives a car, exercises at the local YMCA three times a week, is active on social media and texts and emails on her smartphone. If something needs to be repaired in her house, she can often fix it herself, she said. As an 18-year breast cancer survivor, Beard credited her healthy longevity to always looking at the good side of things and helping others. She eats everything in moderation, focusing on a healthy diet, but also allowing herself a special treat once in a while. She loves ice cream and sometimes indulges in it in the middle of the night if the mood strikes.

And you know, when it comes to a positive attitude and living longer, science backs up what Christine said about always looking at the good side of things... it will indeed increase our longevity. And looking at the good or bright side of things is something that should just come natural for the person who has placed their total trust in Christ. Why? Because when Jesus is our source of hope, a source that is the same yesterday, today and forever, we will not fear anything that comes our way. In fact, we will be so completely filled “with joy and peace" and will "overflow with confident hope through the power of Holy Spirit” that we can’t help but celebrate that our glasses are half full! Is that amazing or what?

So if you're feeling down and unable to look at the bright side of things today--whatever those things in your life might be, and we will all have things that threaten to steal our hope, joy, and confidence--place your trust in Jesus my friend. Trust Him with your life knowing that He can and will provide for your needs both now and in the life to come. This will not only allow you to smile in the midst of any trial but to see the good in everything. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God whose promises are always true. Cause us to seek You above all else Lord that we would come to know that your promises are true and that You are a God who can always be trusted... in every situation, in every season and through every trial. Remind us that we can trust You through it all. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!