***To find the companion Elf on the Shelf Guide, visit my Etsy shop here!***
Day 2 – Hope
ROMANS 5:5 AND HOPE DOES NOT PUT US TO SHAME, BECAUSE GOD’S LOVE HAS BEEN POURED OUT INTO OUR HEARTS THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHO HAS BEEN GIVEN TO US.
Shame is an unpleasant self-conscious emotion typically associated with a negative evaluation of the self; withdrawal motivations; and feelings of distress, exposure, mistrust, powerlessness, and worthlessness. That doesn’t sound hopeful. Shame is disappointing and useless. These toxic thoughts lead us into a spiral of anxiety and depression and hopelessness. Our brains believe there is no hope – until we focus on God.
In this season of waiting for the Savior, we are invited to not only be hopeful for His coming, but for our own salvation as well. A salvation that we are working out and living out NOW (Philippians 2:12). Our greatest hope is in the future, but we also have hope NOW. There is joy in the waiting. We have the advantage of the Holy Spirit within us – guiding us in hope and comforting us as we wait. What a gift!
Are you living as if God’s love has been poured out into your heart? It has!
