Tag: Alive

To Be Alive

A reflection on truly living in 2023.

Have you ever stopped in your tracks and wondered, “I’m breathing, but am I truly living right now?”

In a culture swept up in the “latest things” and keeping up with everybody else, it’s easy to be caught in this whirlwind of panic and restlessness. But when we don’t pause to enjoy life where we’re at–a stage that is precious and unique all on its own, despite the difficulties–we will never fully experience the gift of life itself.

As we head into 2023, I’m left with more questions than answers. Perhaps pondering these questions with me will lead you on a path towards healing, intentional living, and hope for the future.

  1. How are you experiencing peace (or a lack of peace) in this present season?
  2. What changes could you make to feel less drained?
  3. What activities or experiences leave you feeling fulfilled and joyful?
  4. Are you currently making the time to do those things on a regular basis?
  5. How is God calling you to act in this season?

In reference to the final question, I don’t just mean the basic: God wants me to follow His laws and live righteously. Rather, what specific things can you do this year to be faithful to God and pursue His calling on your life?

No matter what gets accomplished and where you are on the journey, you are loved and you are here for an important reason. I hope this new year fills you with hope, healing, and anticipation for greater things to come.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

2 Corinthians 5:17

Let Yourself Feel Joy

Do you avoid hoping for fear of disappointment?

It’s so easy to allow fear to steal away the best moments of our lives.

Fear may come in the form of rationality or jadedness. Perhaps we just “know” that things never stay good for long. And what do we expect, in this broken world?

But if we never allow ourselves to feel joy, then what are we living for?

You may feel stronger by not getting your hopes up. By saying that things always end up in disappointment. By not being surprised when hard times come.

But what if that isn’t strength? What if that’s giving into fear?

Fear of not being in control of your life. Fear of not truly knowing how long good things will last.

We can’t experience joy until we fully accept that we aren’t in control.

It’s a hard truth to come to grips with, especially in the face of so many tragedies, both in our personal lives and in the world. The ache of disappointment. The heartbreak of rejection. But holding onto a false sense of security only hurts us.

And most of all, it robs us of the beauty life can bring.

So, how can we fully experience joy?

By making the most of the little things. By taking each day as it comes. By not judging yourself too hard when you feel yourself regressing or not living up to the impossible standards society demands of us.

It’s okay if you don’t feel happy today. But you don’t have to be happy to feel grateful. Grateful that the sun still rose today. Grateful for the people who are always there for you. Grateful for a moment to rest.

Expect disappointment, and that’s what you’ll get. But hope for something more? Then you’ll surely have a higher chance of finding joy.

The truest source of joy comes from Jesus, who never changes. His plans are far greater than anything we could ever imagine. While we may be disappointed in the moment, Jesus promises that our lives aren’t wasted. He will restore our joy. ❤

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13