I had a hard time trying to decide what to write today. I sat down and thought about why I was holding back. I think it’s because the world is a very scary, sad place right now. Children die. I know this. It happens every day. But these last couple of weeks have been brutal, regarding this. Twenty-two killed in Manchester, England and then another attack on the London Bridge so soon after. And locally, an eleven year old girl found dead in a body of water four miles from her home. Not to mention the innocent children who suffer because of war and poverty and abuse all over the world. These days even more than ever, I dread watching the evening news. So what am I to write about?
As I sat looking for answers, I glanced at the little card stand a friend gave me recently. She knows a woman who takes Bible verses and makes 365 of them with your name in the verse. So every day, I receive a new verse with my name right there. These have brought me such comfort during these last hard days. Today’s verse really touched me:
“For I know the plans I have for you, Lenora, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me, Lenora, 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 of your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13
I realized what I already knew. The world is wicked but God is good. I have a great life. I have a home and food and people I love around me. But the burdens of the world sometimes become so overwhelming, we forget that we can’t control any of it. By the time you read this, I will be back from attending a Jimmy Buffet concert in Alabama, rain or shine. One of my favorite songs of his is a duet with Martina McBride–Trip Around the Sun. The lyrics have always spoken to me:
“I’m just hangin’ on while this old world keeps spinning, and it’s good to know it’s out of my control …”
The song goes on to speak about how every day is a revolution (and a revelation in my mind). It should be time well spent. We know this but some days, we do want to find a beach and sit and watch the sun setting and rising again.
So I feel better knowing that between Jesus and Jimmy Buffet I can make another trip around the sun. And while I’m doing that, living my life, I can turn my face to the Son and pray as I always do–for my family, for my friends, for my town and my state, for my country and for my world. When I pray this prayer, I imagine a dove flying out from my yard and continuing over my town and state and then moving through the mountains and plains and cities and crossing the oceans to send this prayer out to everyone. Then the dove returns the prayer back to me. An olive branch of hope.
He knows the plans He has for me. Amen to that. I have hope for the future.
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Your post today (6-7-17) was one of the most inspiring I’ve ever read. It truly blessed me beyond measure and put a new hope into my heart about everything that’s happening in the world today. It also gave me a wonderful idea for a Christmas gift for my siblings. When you talked about the 365 Bible verses with the name inserted in them, I thought this was absolutely great! I hope your friend doesn’t mind if I use her idea. I’m really excited about this and plan to get started on it immediately!
Hi Joan. I’m so glad my post helped you. I think that’s a great idea and I don’t think anyone would mind. I am sure enjoying my daily verses.
Wonderful words, Lenora!
Thank you, Jaten.
Thanks again, Karen. I gave you a new name in an earlier response. So sorry.
Amen, Lenora.
Lenora…Amen !! Our God IS a good God & I enjoy “The Margarita Man” too !!
His word flows out and never returns void…Blessings to you and your family.
Please keep my neighbors Don, John & JoAnne in your prayers for renewed health & peace.
Blessings,
Pamela Proudfoot
Thank you, Pamela!
Karen. So sorry. Hit the wrong letters.
:))
Thank you, Lynn.
Thank you for that word of hope and peace. Yes, this is a scary world and it is so good to know that God is in control and has good plans for us.
Thanks, Jen.
What a beautiful message. Thanks for sharing that!
Hi, Adrienne. So glad you liked it.
Love the idea of the verses with a personal touch. Is this something I could subscribe to or just something she does randomly?
Gail, I believe the woman my friend commissioned does this as a business. I can ask my friend for her name and information if you’d like. If you want, e-mail me at LNwrite2@aol.com and I’ll send you the information.
Just a lovely heartfelt post. Thank you!
Thank you, Christina!
This is a wonderful passage to remember, especially during difficult times. After 20 years in the Marine Corps, numerous jobs following retirement, my husband felt he was receiving a call to the ministry. He attended seminary at Duke University and became a Methodist minister. One of the most difficult things he had to do was answer the question from a five year old boy, “Why did God take my father to heaven?” His father was killed in an automobile accident. They took a walk around the church yard while my husband explained that we don’t always know God’s purpose. That boy is now 14, a great student, and enjoys basketball.
Thank you for an inspiring post, Lenora.