Thinking Good Thoughts

My daughter told me yesterday that Jeremiah 29:11 is a very overused verse. She is probably right, but part of that is the fact that we as humans struggle with the same challenges over and over again. We fail to learn from our mistakes, or in this case, we fail to trust God in every situation. We may learn it in one case, but the next time a challenge arises, we are right back to doubts and fears and worries.

The patience of our Heavenly Father is truly an amazing thing. How many times as a parent have I lashed out at a child because he or she "keeps doing the exact same thing"? Yet, I am guilty of the same type of misbehavior. I battle worrying a great deal of the time.

We have experienced some victories in the past few weeks for which I am grateful. My son was promoted at work - something he has worked hard for and to a position for which he is uniquely qualified and excels in. My daughter has had to revamp her career goals for the time being, but she was presented with an opportunity that helps her to grow in a new direction and use many of her skills while improving others in the meantime. My husband and I oversaw a benefit auction last week and raised a respectable amount of money for a very worthy cause - a direct answer to prayer in this economy. The generosity of many people made that possible and I appreciate every one of them!

Still, I am plagued by dwelling on the unseen future. While I believe we must prepare for and plan for the future, I know that God has told us in Matthew 6:25-34 not to worry about our needs for the future. That does not mean we are not to work and do what we need to do, learn a trade, complete an education, find a job - but it does mean we are to do so while also seeking the Kingdom of God. I believe that means acting as His witness at all times, focusing on using the talents He has given us to find their best use in a career and in everything we do, glorifying Him and seeing that others see that as well.

After a lapse of several years, I recently began reading my Bible daily again. That brings to mind stories I have not heard or read in many years - reminders of the many, many ways in which God works in the lives of men. Sometimes, He is earth-shaking in his intervention in our lives. Sometimes, He is so subtle, we do not even recognize Him. It is so important for us to realize how He intervenes for our benefit. We suffer from short-sightedness during our time on this earth. But God sees all - the past, the present and the future. Learning to trust Him with our future without doubts and worries is a huge challenge for us.

And that is where Jeremiah 29:11 enters the picture - but not just verse eleven. Continuing through the first phrase of verse 14 completes the thought, the picture, if you will.

`For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, `plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. And I will be found by you,' declares the Lord.

God's promise comes to God's people in Judah. They have been rebellious and sinful, but the rest of verse fourteen promises that God would restore their fortunes and gather them from the nations to which they have been driven by their disobedience. Though the love of money is the root of all evil, God knows that we have a need for a steady income, for food and clothing and shelter. And He desires to bless us with all of those things, provided that we follow Him every step of the way.

Are you plagued with doubts or misgivings or worries? Trust God and know that He does see the whole picture and He desires to give you good gifts. Watch for His influence in what you are going through and listen for His Still Small Voice. Refrain from worrying. Paul wrote in Philippians 4:6-9 about this:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you.

Dwell on good things!