God’s Plans for You

“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. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord.
-Jeremiah 29:11-14

God’s plans are perfect.  We may understand that at a certain level, but God’s timing and watching those plans come to life can be confusing and frustrating for us.  I remember “trying” to make plans when my children were very small.  Our timeline for how long we could tolerate the wedding reception or other adult-focused event, was entirely dependent on their schedules and needs.  My time was not necessarily my own.  (Thankfully it is much easier now that they are 11 and almost 7!)

At times, I feel as though I am the young child in God’s plans.  My attitude may not be very open to the activity God has planned.  My desires or needs may be met in a way that I don’t like at that moment.  If I’m honest, there are even moments when I might have a little temper tantrum with God.  Even in the midst of my struggle with God’s timing, I am reminded that I will find God when I seek him with all my heart.  Where is your heart today?  What kind of plans are you hoping God will bring into your life?  How are you able to seek first God’s kingdom and remember that everything will be added to your life in God’s way, at God’s timing, in God’s plans for you.

Lord Jesus, we pray to you for all the needs and concerns in our minds and hearts, knowing that you always remain faithful.  Lord, we pray for the church, that we might do our best to present ourselves to God.  O God, in your might you rule forever, and your eyes keep watch over the nations.  We pray for our nation, our community, and all in authority. Gracious God, all the earth bows down before you, and sings out your name.  We pray for the nations of the earth, that your peace may protect us all.  Lord Jesus, in your faithfulness to us, you shower us with grace, mercy, love, and all we need; we pray that you would shape our hearts, that they would be filled with gratitude, that we might always return to you and give you thanks. Amen.