Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. (Psalm 43:5)
God's hope is never failing. He does not abandon us in our time of need. Even though we feel alone, He's waiting there to light our way.
All throughout our lives, we will come across situations that are not joyful, are hard and test our strength and faith. Some of them we can look at and say "pfffft - I can handle this" and we do so without a second thought. We also come across those that push us to our limits, seem bleak and hopeless and our first thought is to run as far in the opposite direction as we can. God says "stay". Then there are times when He tells us that it is time to change, it is not or no longer part of His plan.
How do we know? Only through faith and prayer will our soul be able to "hear". My mother used to call it "gut instinct". You will hear people say "oh, be grateful for what you have - it could be worse." Well, when the "worse" arrives, then what?
When something threatens your spiritual, mental and physical well-being then it's time to make a change. It's time to look beyond what you have and look ahead to the future He has planned for you. You WILL know, if you listen with your soul. The power of God is amazing - trust it!
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jer 29:11)
The "Life Application Study Bible" tells us that "We're all encouraged by a leader who stirs us to move ahead." He knows the plans He has for us. I love this verse and knowing that He knows my future is often the only thing that keeps me going forward.
There are more than enough distractions in life to keep us on our toes - for me it's my monster puppy who, every morning, thinks that it's okay to bark at 5am (while I'm trying to write). Aside from the fact that most of the world is still sleeping (more specifically, my neighbors on either side), it's very annoying! Then there are those voice mails left for us to retrieve before the first cup of coffee has made it's way into the blood stream...ugh!
What ever plans the enemy has for me today will be overshadowed by THE plan my God has for me. Nothing will distract me long enough to look at it and give it any thought. His plan is the one that matters!
However, "just when I think I'm finally out...they pull me back in", a phrase that only someone who has watched "The Godfather III" would understand. I will not be drawn back into the waiting arms of the enemy who seeks to destroy me. I will move forward. I will continue to walk in the ways of my Father!
A simple prayer, a quiet thought and a glance towards His future for me is sometimes all there is to keep me from caving in.
I love this verse in Jeremiah - it reminds me that I am spoken for and that peace is within my reach. The only thing He doesn't share with me is the "when". I can wait.
