It’s no secret, I LOVE to read! And one of my favorite reading resources is the Reader’s Digest that arrives in my mailbox every month. It brings a variety of subjects, opinions, theories, and perspectives for me to consider, learn from, or discount. Often I’m inspired by stories of good deeds done, or horrified by outrageous injustices, or puzzled by scientific theories. And sometimes, as was the case this month, I’m motivated to search the Scriptures to discount or counter an article that doesn’t “sit right.”

A short and thought-provoking article called “How to Get Lucky – four habits that can set us all up for good fortune” caught my attention to the point that I couldn’t get it out of my head. Here’s the thing, I just don’t believe in “luck.” So this article kind of grabbed me by the eyeballs and made me think about the difference in Good Luck and Real Hope. Although I view the concept of luck with a bit of disdain, there was something about that article that reminded me of Scripture passages that are familiar and precious to me. How crazy is that – an article about luck bringing scripture to my mind!

Allow me to unpack my thoughts a bit. I think of Luck as “chance.” Webster’s simple definition of chance is the possibility that something will happen or the way that events happen when they are not planned or controlled by people. The RD article’s sub-title, “four habits that can set us all up for good fortune” appears to be counter to the chance concept. The idea put forth in the article seems to suggest that we can enhance the possibility for good fortune or chance or luck by our own efforts. Hmmmm???

I would suggest that Hope is a more secure concept for us to pursue. Now Webster’s definition of hope goes like this: to cherish a desire with anticipation, to trust, to desire with expectation of obtainment, to expect with confidence. Look at how different the hope descriptions are: desire with anticipation, trust, expectation of obtainment, expect with confidence. Whereas luck is described as possibility, not planned, not controlled. I’ll take trust and confidence over possibility any day!

In the RD article, the writer offered four ways to promote good luck. As I pondered those suggested habits, I was reminded of several scripture passages that, rather than totally countering the habits, give them a more hopeful perspective. See what you think.

1. The writer said “Expect good things” because “expectations become self-fulfilling prophecies.” Self-assurance, according to the writer, makes one more motivated and optimistic, and the more chances one will risk to succeed. But 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. That tells me that I don’t have to “take chances” because I can TRUST and HOPE (have confidence) that God will bring joy, peace, power – and that says “success” to me!

2. The writer further advises “Court chance” by meeting more people, throwing a little chaos into your life, staying open to possibilities. The mere mention of the word “chaos” doesn’t do it for me! That’s definitely not what I want in my life! But chaos will come if we strike out on our own. Is chaos really a sign of “good luck”? In Proverbs 3:5-6 Solomon says Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. I don’t have to “court chance” by leaning on my own understanding, because I can TRUST the Lord and when I do, He will make my way clear – no chaos here!

3. The writer says we should “Look for silver linings.” This is where she caught my attention most, because I thought “she’s on to something here.” However she sees this concept as “lucky” where I see it from this Biblical view: In Romans 8:28 we read, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. She says: “Finding value in bad luck can help your brain process situations differently….Lucky people are able to transform a stumbling block into a positive event.” The “silver lining” for me is not just a matter of finding value in bad luck, but rather knowing that God is in control, that He has my best interest in mind, and that He will bring good out of the “bad luck” that comes with life.

4. Finally she states “Trust your gut.” She shares an account of a woman who “trusted her gut” and pulled over just before a trucker lost control and crashed. The woman would have been involved in a devastating accident if she hadn’t “trusted her gut” and pulled off the road. Well, I have to say that my gut isn’t trustworthy, but my God is! I believe that the Holy Spirit is actively involved in my life and often He will direct me out of danger. Holy Spirit, Guardian Angel, your gut … which is it? Does it matter what we call “it”? As a believer, I’ll just go with the psalmist who says in Psalm 91:2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Now I know there will be those who counter this with Why? Why was one person directed out of danger and not the one who was caught in the crash? Well, there are no easy answers to those kinds of questions. There are lots and lots of speculations, but that’s much too much to tackle here! Bottom line for me is that whatever happens, whether I’m directed out of danger or caught in the crash of life, God will bring good because He loves me and knows what’s best for me. I don’t have to “trust my gut” as long as I trust my God!

As for me, I choose to claim the promise of God as it’s so beautifully stated in Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. God’s plans for me include hope — No luck needed!

Good Luck or Real Hope? Maybe it’s two sides of the same coin – secular view vs. scriptural view? What do you think?

Check out the article on page 35 in the February 2016 issue of Reader’s Digest, “How to Get Lucky” by Kate Rockwood, from Health.com.

Earlier this week I celebrated my birthday, my 67th birthday, SIXTY-SEVENTH birthday … Holy Moley! When did that happen?!?

It was a day much like any other, busy with all the things that fill my life these days – family needs like the grocery store excursion with my mom, fixing meals for my “under-the-weather” husband, lending emotional support while he tends to his ailing mom; completing a few tasks for my church; taking care of a couple of to-do list items at work; running an errand for a friend; and so the day quickly evaporated.

However, throughout the day, beginning at 12:24am, I heard my smart phone pinging with “Happy Birthday!” wishes from so many friends and family! And although I couldn’t stop and respond to each one as they came through, I was encouraged by the thoughtfulness and kindness of all those who took a moment to send their blessings! Each of those “pings” reminded me that I am not alone. I have loved ones, near and far, who care enough to take the time to say “Happy Birthday”.

I must admit that during these past few months, I’ve felt somewhat isolated as I’ve made home and husband my priority; and severed, at least temporarily, my ties to other commitments like church and friends and extended family. I have no doubt that this new prioritization of my life is precisely what I’ve been called to do at this season of my life. BUT, it’s been challenging to be content! So, hearing all those “pings” reminded me that I’m not forgotten! Thank you, friends and family, for the encouragement and HOPE you sent my way on my birthday.

Since January 13, 2007, birthdays are more than anniversaries of my birth, they are milestone markers on my survival journey. Every January 13th since 2007 is a reminder that God has granted me another year of life. And on each birthday I make a renewed commitment to not just survive but to thrive, and to not waste any opportunity that He gives me to offer HOPE and encouragement to others.

Let’s face it, we’re all on survival journeys! Some of us are still on that bumpy cancer road, or we’re reeling from a wrecked relationship, or we’re facing a financial failure, or we’re recovering from the death of a loved one, or we’re coping with wayward children, or maybe we’re just adjusting to a new season of life (Happy Birthday!). No matter what our individual journey looks like God offers HOPE through His Word, through His Church, through His Children, and through prayer!

Look at the HOPE Jesus offers in His Word: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Now that gives me HOPE!

And how about the HOPE He promises for the future: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:1-3 NIV)

His Body, the Church, whether big or small, is a safe place for His Children to find support and love and Hope. But sometimes, when circumstances prevent you from being in the presence of His Body, that support comes through “pings” on the ole smartphone from His Children offering love and HOPE via technology!

And the assurance that the Father is always waiting to hear our hearts through prayer (For he is always watching, never sleeping. Psalm 121:4 TLB); and the Holy Spirit comes along side us to help us pray when we don’t even know what to pray (the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:26 NIV), is the ultimate offering of HOPE on our survival journey.

So thank you for your many “Happy Birthday” wishes! And know that those two simple words conveyed a monumental message of HOPE to me on my journey.

What journey are you on today? How have you found HOPE to survive that journey?