The other day, as I enjoyed a soak in our hot tub with my husband, I realized that right now we are living in abundance, and I thanked God for the many blessings we have been able to share. I thought back over the years of raising our 5 children and the times we struggled to make ends meet, glad that we have come through okay. But abundance isn’t guaranteed and the day may come when the budget could tighten again.

This coming Wednesday I will be flying off to a writers conference. Something I haven’t been able to afford before. It is stirring up all kinds of feelings—anxiety, excitement, fear, anticipation, and a big case of imposter syndrome. But two things happened this morning that helped me settle down. The first, I woke up with this scripture in my head:

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The funny thing is, I find it harder to retain a feeling of contentment in this season of abundance. And when I read my Bible plan today, I gained some understanding.

This is the part that spoke to me: “Do not let your imagination create an image in which things will go bad for you.” (7 Ways to Renew Your Mind, Vladimir Savchuk, day 7.) See what I wrote in my first paragraph? I’m already anticipating bad things. Why would I waste time dreaming up ways things will go south when I have an opportunity to explore my good dreams?

One of the scriptures Mr. Savchuk used was just the prayer I needed.

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

This is what will get me out of my over-thinking head and into the experience of anticipating good things as I trust in the goodness of God toward me. Flipping from falling into fearful fatalism to following His footsteps with fearless faith in facing my future. (I couldn’t help a bit of alliteration. 🤭)

I’ll pray this prayer for you, too, and maybe you know someone that would benefit if you’ll pray this prayer for them.

Grace & Peace,

Sandy

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