Prayer To Live With Optimism and Joy

 New seasons are times for optimism and joy.  If we are always focused on the past we usually have some regret, even guilt and shame, for the mistakes that we’ve made or pain at how things have changed – sometimes in ways we wish life hadn’t changed. 

God encourages us every day to deal with the past, certainly – to admit what we have done, repent, and where possible make amends to those we have harmed. God promises forgiveness and strength to overcome what’s gone wrong.

We don’t enjoy discipline when we get it. It is painful. But later, after we have learned our lesson from it, we will enjoy the peace that comes from doing what is right. Hebrews 12:11

That new approach to life is clearly centered on the giving of our will and life over to the care of God.  This is what will make a difference in how we improve going forward.  This is the basis of our optimism and joy going forward.

Because of what Jesus has done for us, God forgave our sin and filled us with His Holy Spirit who strengthens us to walk in unfamiliar paths which lead to a life of joy and peace.

A new season requires new choices and one of those is the choice to be confident in our minds that we can actually live this positive and joyful life.  If we are emerging from a troubled past or a time of challenges and difficulties in our circumstances we are often unable to picture our days filled with joy and meaning.

But let those who trust in you be happy forever. Protect and strengthen those who love your name. “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” Psalm 5:11, Isaiah 54:17

We come to You today, Loving God, as we look ahead into this new month and new season.  We’re so grateful that we don’t have to navigate it on our own but that You promise to be with us and to show us the way forward as we put our trust in You.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart  and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

And we thank You God that You don’t do that in some kind of formal and distant way but You, the God who created the universe actually are our Heavenly Father and You enter into our lives and circumstances as a loving Father who cares so deeply for us Your children.

The Father has loved us so much! This shows how much he loved us: We are called children of God. 1 John 3:1a

Help us to believe and receive this truth and allow our minds to be transformed by it.  The mercy You have shown to us is the foundation of our optimism and joy.  You are the one who did everything necessary so we could become Your children in the first place so help us to stop living with needless worry about the future.   We want to remember and live according to what Jesus taught when He said: 

What you should be thinking about is God’s kingdom. Then he will give you all these other things you need. Luke 12:31

So Heavenly Father, today we want to give You thanks that we have a future with hope because we have a future with You.  Thank You for making us Your own and for the Holy Spirit who lives in us to help us live this  optimistic and joyful life.  Even if we are in the early stages of our life with You, God, and still have much to learn, we will hold onto the truth You spoke when You said:

Though your beginning was small, your latter days will be very great.  Job 8:7

That really does give us hope and optimism and joy today.  Amen