I was chatting with a friend recently and she asked what my ideal 2014 would be. I listed off my usual desires regarding community, friendship, a place to live and ultimately that I would be able to continue to trust God regardless of my circumstances. As I was contemplating my life this coming year, I really don’t have a whole lot of reason to be hopeful for good to happen to me. I already know some of the difficult moments I am going to have to face, such as finding a roommate and moving, my best friends leaving the state and the other getting married. I don’t look forward to 2014. As I was speaking to my friend, I couldn’t help but feel as though this year I am going to have to dare to hope. I still believe in God. Though I am wrestling a lot with my view of God as my Father, I know that He does care for me. Regardless of what I am going through, if I were to hold onto the truths I know from scripture, God has a plan for me, He cares for me deeply and all that I am going through cannot be for nothing.
So I must dare to hope. For me to hope for good in 2014 is truly believing something better will happen beyond my personal circumstances. I cannot see such good in my near future at all at this point. Despite everything, God will still allow me to see Him in the midst of everything and I will know that He is still good.
I have this image of me underwater, struggling for air. While it may be excruciating, I know eventually my head will rise above the surface and I will be able to take the necessary gasp. I hope that I reach the surface soon…