* Java with Abba series*

This series shares intimate journal entries of coffee time with Father God.

Hopeless to Hopeful

I arose before sunrise this morning. Diligently, I monitor another quickly approaching hurricane on the Weather Channel while scanning news headlines. Will we need to evacuate? We are amid a record hurricane season and fires are raging across the West Coast. Riots and violent protests abound. Our government is floundering to display God’s fruit of the Spirit. Another onslaught of COVID-19 is taking hold around the world. The daylight is decreasing and days are growing colder. It’s all overwhelming. My soul feels overtaken by a tangible fog of hopelessness, discouragement, and anxiousness.

This is one of those times I feel disconnected from God and seem to have less than a mustard seed of faith to pray. I turned off the Weather Channel, shut down technology, and turned on worship music. As the song “Draw Me Nearer” filled the air, a glorious sunrise evolved. The inviting lyrics and God’s painted sky awoke my spirit. It’s as if the one who created all things, including this new day, was highlighting his life-giving breath, hope, and power. As I lifted my hands and worshipped, I gave him my heavy heart, the troubling concerns, and every unresolved issue. His promise of new daily mercies kicked into high gear, piercing and dissipating the fog of darkness.

Afresh, I pray.

Afresh, I lay down fear, worry, hopelessness, and the weight of this earthly journey.

Afresh, I give thanks as Holy Spirit reminds me of my Heavenly Father’s past faithfulness.

Afresh, I receive the Father’s love, so I may love while encountering this broken world.

Afresh, I am reminded that his promises and love never fail.

Afresh, I pray I will reflect his loving-kindness in every word spoken and action taken.

Afresh, I remember he didn’t ask me to solve every world problem. He invited me to yield, to be teachable, to follow him, to be his son.

I started this day focused on worldly views and news, burdened, disheartened. Now I am free, focused on him, full of life, for his mercy and love are greater.