Are You Dreaming of a New Normal?

Meditate and consider if you are listening to the Spirit.

Come sit in the shade of this tree with me.
Dream. Have hope.
God has not abandoned us.
Somewhere in the land of Israel.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12

What should I do now? Dream on. Dreams are important. I think we have to dream to have hope. Dream and plan. Giving up hope and dreams is discouraging. Discouraging to the dreamer and to those around them. Even dreams deferred may dissuade hope. God gives us hope—He is our hope.  

And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you. Psalm 39:7

 What do you want your “New Normal” to look like? Ideally we wouldn’t have to wear masks…and we’d be able to see everyone’s smiling faces. But we need to be realistic…that is not going to happen any time soon. Get your supply of masks—disposable paper and fabric—on hand. Keep some disposable gloves handy as well as disinfecting wipes. Yup! Those will be part of our “New Normal” as well as social distancing. Let us continue to hope and dream that we will get to see family and friends often face to face. Don’t let your heart get sick and don’t be depressed. I heard recently on a late night radio program that a study was done where people were told to smile…and they actually felt better—happier. Smile. Smile. Smile.

A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:13

For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast. Proverbs 15:15

Choose to be happy…to have a glad heart, but I don’t think that our goal in life needs to be happiness. We can be content just as Paul wrote to the church at Philippi.

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13 (Underlined for emphasis.)

Paul was an amazing apostle. He lived as a good example for us all, but there was no greater example than Christ Himself. What did Jesus Christ do when He needed something? He asked our Heavenly Father, who provided for Him and for others for whom Jesus was praying. Think about how Jesus fed the 5,000 men and their families. God is compassionate. There is always hope. On these last hot summer days, it  may be time to go sit under a nice shady tree…a tree of life and take time to thank God for the hope that you have in Him.

 Prayer ~ Lord Jesus, thank you. My hope is in You, Lord. Even when I feel discouraged, disappointed, dissolutioned, despondent, or dejected, You are here with me. My hope is in You, Lord. I will keep dreaming—knowing that You have provided the Tree of Life—hope everlasting. I rest in You. My hope is in You, Lord. Creator of Heaven and Earth…and me.

Verse of Salvation ~ I long for your salvation; I put my hope in your word. Psalm 119:81 

© 2020 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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