Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you; plans to prosper you and not to harm you;
plans for a hope and a future.
This a very familiar verse to most, and definitely for me. In fact, this verse has been the theme Scripture verse for my life for the past eleven years.
But today, this verse has changed in my mind. The words are still the same, but as I consider it, I have a new, fresh perspective about what it really means.
You see, on many occasions when I was searching for God's will, I used this verse as a walking stick for the journey.
I have always viewed it as a beacon of guidance from above; a reassurance that no matter what seemed to be going in life, that God had a plan and a purpose no matter what; a command to trust Him, without question.
God has used this scripture to help me learn to walk by faith, and not by sight, while believing that He sees the bigger picture, and the purpose for all things.
And all that is true - but now, it holds an even bigger meaning in my heart.
This week, one of our Proverbs 31 team members sent out a prayer request, asking for prayer and peace in a circumstance in her life. Many of us replied with words of encouragement and support, but one of our sweet sisters not only offered to pray, but sent out a nugget of gold, found in a scripture that I thought I knew like the back of my hand.
She stated that during a time when she was praying for God's will in an important decision in her life, several people reminded her of Jeremiah 29:11. She knew the verse well, but said she had always wanted to cling to the "plans to prosper you and not harm you" part. But God spoke to her heart, and helped her to find comfort and peace in the "I know" part instead.
When I read these words in her email, it was like a light bulb went off in my head.
God whispered to my heart, "Tracie, I know". I suddenly became acutely aware that God does know.......everything. He is not perplexed or surprised by what we are facing.
He knows.
And.... He has a plan.
On Monday, I wrote about feeling "helpless". God reminded me that He cares, as I watched Him intervene in a personal situation with my daughter.
On Tuesday, God used the words of a friend to remind me that He not only cares about us, but He knows.
He knows the things I am struggling with. He knows the needs of my family. He knows all of His children.
He knows who is hurting. He knows who is worried. He knows who is in pain. He knows what is breaking our hearts. He knows our fears. He knows our concerns. He knows our most secret burdens. He knows our needs.
And most of all, He knows us - like a father knows his own children; like good friends know each others secrets; like family.
We are often told that "God sees" and "God cares", and the Bible tells us those things are true. But today, let's cling to the comfort found in knowing that He not only sees and cares, but HE KNOWS.
And to top off that good news.. He has a plan. Now that, makes me smile. :)
But today, this verse has changed in my mind. The words are still the same, but as I consider it, I have a new, fresh perspective about what it really means.
You see, on many occasions when I was searching for God's will, I used this verse as a walking stick for the journey.
I have always viewed it as a beacon of guidance from above; a reassurance that no matter what seemed to be going in life, that God had a plan and a purpose no matter what; a command to trust Him, without question.
God has used this scripture to help me learn to walk by faith, and not by sight, while believing that He sees the bigger picture, and the purpose for all things.
And all that is true - but now, it holds an even bigger meaning in my heart.
This week, one of our Proverbs 31 team members sent out a prayer request, asking for prayer and peace in a circumstance in her life. Many of us replied with words of encouragement and support, but one of our sweet sisters not only offered to pray, but sent out a nugget of gold, found in a scripture that I thought I knew like the back of my hand.
She stated that during a time when she was praying for God's will in an important decision in her life, several people reminded her of Jeremiah 29:11. She knew the verse well, but said she had always wanted to cling to the "plans to prosper you and not harm you" part. But God spoke to her heart, and helped her to find comfort and peace in the "I know" part instead.
When I read these words in her email, it was like a light bulb went off in my head.
God whispered to my heart, "Tracie, I know". I suddenly became acutely aware that God does know.......everything. He is not perplexed or surprised by what we are facing.
He knows.
And.... He has a plan.
On Monday, I wrote about feeling "helpless". God reminded me that He cares, as I watched Him intervene in a personal situation with my daughter.
On Tuesday, God used the words of a friend to remind me that He not only cares about us, but He knows.
He knows the things I am struggling with. He knows the needs of my family. He knows all of His children.
He knows who is hurting. He knows who is worried. He knows who is in pain. He knows what is breaking our hearts. He knows our fears. He knows our concerns. He knows our most secret burdens. He knows our needs.
And most of all, He knows us - like a father knows his own children; like good friends know each others secrets; like family.
We are often told that "God sees" and "God cares", and the Bible tells us those things are true. But today, let's cling to the comfort found in knowing that He not only sees and cares, but HE KNOWS.
And to top off that good news.. He has a plan. Now that, makes me smile. :)
1 comment:
Thanks so much for sharing this insight from Jer. 29:11! Wow!
My retired pastor (Pastor Mark) has been saying this verse for years, and I always think of him but I never focused on the "I know" part! WOW!
It makes me think of my favorite verse: "Be Still and KNOW that I am God." Ps 46:10
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