Saying goodbye is a tough thing to do. I have been doing it a lot lately. My two best friends moved on the same day last week — one to New York, the other to Texas. This week, I have said goodbye to a close friend who is moving on to the next level in his sport … the NFL. As I think about my dear friends and the challenges they will face in their new places, I realize that they all will do well. Why? They are all grounded in the truth.

In each of these situations, they are starting over. Starting over can bring excitement and joy, but also of fear and worry. The prophet Jeremiah shares with us some verses that people all over the world hold onto during times of starting over. "'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...'" Plans for hope and prosperity. Plans for a future. What a comforting feeling. When we hope in the Lord and follow His truth, we can have peace when we are faced with starting over in life.

Maybe starting over for you does not meaning moving to a new location, but just living a different life in the same place. Living for Christ gives us this hope and assurance. Are you starting over today? In a new town? Have hope! Quitting drinking? Have hope! Committing to purity? Have hope! Whatever you are starting over with, have hope that God will provide, prosper and protect you now and forever.

Do you have that hope? Do you need to start over today in an area of life? Read our verses from today. Receive them. Believe them. Begin living in them. Truth and hope are just around the corner in your new life and new situation. Just hold on! You are in for the ride of your life with Christ!