When I look back in time, I see how God provided and blessed. In the present, however, I fear that He won’t continue to be gracious. Words of faith are choked out in environments of deprivation. That’s unfortunate because remembrance is meant to feed my faith. God did show up when things were dire. When I tried to quit the fight for faith, God brought new manna to breathe hope into the crevices of my soul.

Some years ago, I lamented to an older woman I greatly respect that I was afraid God would not answer my prayers.  I had plenty of evidence to support my misgivings. She listened to it all. Her reply was this: “Live joyfully confident!” When I questioned her further, she replied again, “Live joyfully confident!” I understood that she wasn’t going to spoon-feed me the meaning.

The phrase describes what faith is. When all things point to sure doom – I live joyfully confident that God will provide what He has promised.

What ‘joyfully confident’ statement of faith might you need to make today about some area of your life that invites despair?   Affirm this out loud and then ask for the grace to live in joyful anticipation. 

Teach me to dance before the party. Amen