Today has been one of those days. You know those very full days, where sometimes they go well and other times they are just plain crazy? Well, mine was ok. I got up with the kids, got my bad attitude filled daughter to school, played with the boys, caught up on some work, fed lunch, played with the boys, made dinner and now, I really just need Jesus.
I find I get so caught up in doing everything for others that I forget about myself. I forget that I need to take time to rest and be still before the Lord. I forget to pray.
But there’s hope. And there’s a God who is willing to answer our prayers, no matter how quick, frazzled or joyfilled they are! I’m sure if you’ve been around for a while, you’re familiar with Jeremiah 29:11 which is the sometimes cliche verse of “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. ” However, are you familiar with the next verses 12-14? Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear 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, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.
While we’re not usually sent into exile these days like the Israelites were, it can feel like it. OR we put ourselves apart from God through being busy or just plain crazy life. Friend, I want to remind you to seek Jesus right now. Don’t be afraid to say a quick “thank you for today Jesus” or to call out to him and say “I’m not sure how much more I can handle, but I know that you give me help when I’m maxed out.”
What’s going to be your action? While I know that maybe you don’t have time for this, but what about make a plan to take time and read some of your Bible today? And maybe journal some thoughts about what you’ve read. Or take time and read through a day of my book, Created for This.
What’s my plan? I’m going to spend some time reading through the Bible. I’m going to pull out my copy of my book and go through that. I know my own words that were driven by the Holy Spirit can be powerful because the Holy Spirit can teach us new things through verses we’ve heard multiple times. There is something refreshing about the ability of the Bible to teach and speak to our hearts as we sit and dwell with the Lord. And that’s my plan. Simple, easy and SO good!
I’m praying that you take time to sit and dwell with the Father. If nothing else, turn on some Christian praise music and sing from your heart (and out loud if you can!), because those words can be prayers and praise to Jesus. Go do it – you won’t regret investing in yourself and renewing yourself after one of those days.
Praise Him for that amazing hope.