Purpose or Problems? That is the question

What is my hope? Where is my focus? Is it on the purpose of my life or upon the problems of my life? Do my eyes stay on the goal or upon the obstacles? Purpose driven or problem sluggish?

The book I am currently reading…and am only into the 2nd chapter…is hitting me smack in the face. Convicting. Awakening. Thought-provoking. (This may turn into a book review as much as about the impact it is having on me.)

Tis the season of Praise and Thanksgiving

“O my soul, why be so gloomy and discouraged?

Trust in God!

I shall again praise Him for His wondrous help;

He will make me smile again,

 for He is my God!”

Psalm 43:5 tlb

From Hope 4 You, Carole Lewis writes, “Praise and thankfulness are closely intertwined, but are also distinctly different. When I praise someone, I am affirming a truth about who that person is. When I thank a person or am thankful for someone, I am affirming a truth about what the person does. I don’t fully understand why praise has the power to renew hope; I only know that it does.