Hope Scrolling

I hear so much about “doom scrolling” that I had to look up the actual definition. Obviously, it wasn’t a thing when I was young, (or even middle aged). Doom scrolling is the habit of endlessly scrolling through social media or news feeds that tend to focus on the distressing state of our world.

I am not much of a “doom scroller.”

I rarely skim headlines, look at Facebook or watch the limitless broadcasting of news… my heart cannot take it (plus, I get a neck ache if I hold my phone/ipad too long).

Bad news is spewed out into the universe on a never ending loop.

Death,

betrayals,

mud slinging for enlightenment, or entertainment?

So… just in case you need a little encouragement today. I did a little “hope scrolling.”

I did some investigating and all evidence points to the truth that you are

extraordinary,

loved,

specifically singled out by God!

Peter, a smelly, working class fisherman, handpicked by the rabbi Jesus, wrote a letter to the weary and persecuted followers of Jesus. He reminded them:

You are a chosen people,

a royal priesthood,

a holy nation,

God’s special possession.

The New Testament writers don’t only call us by these princely names…

They get much more personal.

We are his kids,

wrapped in a good father’s care for sure,

but more than that… this father delights in us.

Those who knew Jesus understood that God calls us friends—someone he loves to hang with…

in the midnight silence,

around the table at our favorite brewery,

while we sit with the suffering.

As I continue to “hope scroll” through scripture today, I am reminded that we are also called light.

And, that’s not just a title;

it is a summons to shine,

to declare the praises of the One

who pulled us from darkness

into His spectacular light.

We are not meant to hide in doom and despair—

we are destined to brightly beam love, joy, hope!

God sees you and me as conquerors,

overcomers,

unstoppable through his strength.

We are holy,

blameless in his eyes,

not because of what we’ve done,

but because of who he is.

We are his workmanship,

masterpieces crafted with intention.

And, get this—we are the fragrance of Christ, carrying his love and grace wherever we go!

Today, when you are tempted to “doom scroll” or

beat yourself up because you didn’t get “it” right again,

take a moment to “hope scroll” through sacred scripture.

Apparently, God is quite fond of you and me.

We don’t have to perform for him,

he knows us perfectly.

We don’t have to cower in fear,

he is our sustainer and our defender.

We don’t have to grovel in subjugation,

he has called us holy and loved.

This is all such very “good” news.

I know we cannot overlook or ignore what is happening in our world

but

let’s religiously “hope scroll” through the stories of God’s gracious pursuit and devotion to mankind.

Now, because you are so loved…

Go into your world,

feel the sunshine on your face,

experience the pleasure of God,

be kind,

courageous,

smile…

go boldly and “smell up” the world!