Hope: A life of expectation

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

The dictionary defines hope as a feeling of expectation and desire for certain things to happen.  The archaic meaning of hope is trust.  For me hope is living a life full of expectation because I trust God with the outcome.  

I am a planner by nature.  I like to have itineraries, if only in my head, to help design the actions and the events of my day. I can be especially anal with this on trips.  However, I have learned that life cannot be planned.  Things happen and as hard as I might try I can't see into the future to determine what my end will be.  So rather than stressing about what is not in my control, I can prepare for my day by trusting God with my outcome.  

This takes practice, but it is so worth the effort because when I have hope life is becomes an adventure.  I become more aware of my present moments with God even in the mundane task of life.  I live with the expectation that I am going to see God work.

 I see Him at work as He guides me safely to and from work. I see Him in the grocery store as He gives me wisdom to purchase what I need to stay within my budget.  I also watch Him supply more as I am sometimes able to get what I want. I see Him at work as He gives me favor on my job and gives me the endurance to work my full shift.  Or perhaps He places someone in my path that I am able to minister the love of Christ too.  

I am filled with joy and peace as I relax in Him.  I am not rushed or too busy trying to make something happen in my own strength. I now live by the power of His Spirit.  Life flows and I am filled with joy.  My plan, my itinerary, becomes seeking Him; the God of hope.  

Father thank You for hope.  I thank You for the indwelling of your Spirit.  Thank You for letting me see You at work.  God my life is full of expectation because of You.  Cone what may, I know that You are working it out for my good.  You will turn it around in my favor for your purpose.  My hope is in You.  You are my peace.  In Jesus name. Amen