It has been a busy, good & challenging summer. Many changes have taken place in the last few months in my life, some that I know are truly divine and others I continue to search as to their purposes and meanings. Amidst all these changes I have not taken the time to write, and how I have missed it. I have a deep yearning within me to express myself through words and sharing with others the encouragements I receive from my Heavenly Father. I have allowed busyness to crowd out things in my life that are so important. I confess my time with the Lord has fallen short too. So why am I shocked when I become frustrated, stressed, worried, controlling? I know that my life has to be ALL about God and the only way I can make it my ALL is to take time for my relationship with HIM. He is always there waiting when I come to HIM, but how He desires my full attention.
Lord, I confess I have been trying to do things on my own again. I am so sorry. Lord I need your Holy Spirit to lead and to guide, not my selfish feelings. Father, fill me with your wisdom and the peace that only YOU can give.
This morning I spent time in the Word catching up for the days I have missed from the daily reading plan. The reading plan has me in the book of Ezekiel. Man, have you read that book? It is really depressing. Since I have been really struggling, I am thinking to myself, how I am supposed to find peace and joy and hope in all of this. But God had it all figured out. Since I am reading from a chronological Bible He placed in my reading several passages from Jeremiah and this is what HE had for me today.
Jeremiah 32: 38-41 And I will give them one heart and one purpose: to worship me forever, for their own good and for the good of all their descendants. And I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good for them. I will put a desire in their hearts to worship me, and they will never leave me. I will find joy doing good for them and will faithfully and wholeheartedly replant them in this land.
As I sat outside, and I highlighted this passage and then read it over again, I put my name in this passage and the tears fell.
I will give Lisa one heart and one purpose, to worship me forever, for her own good and for the good of all her family. And I will make an everlasting covenant with Lisa; I will never stop doing good for her. I will put a desire in her heart to worship me, and she will never leave me. I will find joy doing good for Lisa and will faithfully and wholeheartedly replant her in the place I have for her.
What a promise of restoration that I so needed. Yes, I have tried to do things my way, yes, I have let my feelings lead instead of my faith. I have felt like my dream is lost, but HE will restore what was lost and will replant me where HE wants me!!
Even though the book of Ezekiel is so depressing, it just doesn’t end with destruction and death. God offers hope. As I read also this morning, Jeremiah 33: 6-9 “Nevertheless, the time will come when I will heal Jerusalem’s wounds and give it prosperity and true peace. I will restore the fortunes of Judah and Israel and rebuild their towns. I will cleanse them of their sins against me and forgive all their sins of rebellion. Then this city will bring me joy, glory, and honor before all the nations of the earth! The people of the world will see all the good I do for my people, and they will tremble with awe at the peace and prosperity I provide for them.
Thank you God for your hope, peace and restoration.
My friend sent me this verse as an encouragement this morning and I will cling to it too!!
Psalm 21:11-13 Though my enemy plots evil against me and devises wicked schemes, he will not succeed if I am walking with You, O God. You will make him turn his back when you aim at him with drawn bow. Be exalted, O Lord, in your strength. I will sing and praise your might.
