The Other Shoe

During the pandemic, we’ve watched grocery stores swell, water disappear off shelves and stockpiled our own share of toilet paper. We’ve been asked to self-isolate, wear masks, and stay home from church. We’ve seen loved one’s pass, arguments over masks and vaccine mandates, and mounting political tension everywhere. It’s been a hard couple of years for most.

So, what’s next? What will we deal with next? I don’t know about you, but I’ve found myself in the waiting for the “other shoe to drop” mode. I think I’ve actually picked up the shoe and guard it tightly as I wait. I guess it’s a defense mechanism. I don’t want to be caught off guard unable to handle whatever it may be. At times I’ve felt like batman trying to defend myself from the fiery darts constantly coming my way.

Waiting for the other shoe to drop is very tiring. It takes a lot of energy always trying to be on guard and trying to stay one step ahead in preparation.

Today God is showing me a different approach…. Forgetfulness and Hope. In Philippians 3:13 it says… “but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.”  

It seems simple:

1. Forget the past  2. Look forward to the future

As we begin the process of forgetting the past., we need to look forward with hope. In fact, we can overflow with hope. Wow, what a wonderful thought…overflowing with hope. I want to be so full of hope that my hope rubs off me onto everyone I meet.

Romans 15:13 says “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

So today, may we forget the past and overflow with hope for the future.

Dear Lord: Today I decide to put down the other shoe and live with high expectations and hope for what’s coming next. May I overflow with hope and be full of joy. I look forward to getting some rest as I put down the other shoe.