"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." --psalm 34:18
This is the verse with which I started off the morning. Sometimes in our lives, unexpected things will get thrown our way that will cause us unpredicted amounts of difficulty and for me, last night was one of those things. (I'll take a second to say I count it an unfortunate coincidence that it was exactly one year from the night my life fell to pieces last year... funny how God's timing works ironically.) Regardless, I take the opportunity every single day of my life to tell kids that God has big plans for each of our lives and that we have to faithfully have confidence that he knows exactly what he is doing so much better than we ever will. If I quote Jeremiah 29:11 once a day, I quote it at least 23 times. Today more than ever I prayed that the Lord would reaffirm me in the truth of it all.
And you know what? Our God is always faithful to hear the cries of our heart.
I cannot say that I did not trip over a change of God's plans, but I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that my God never leaves me or forsakes me, that he has plans to prosper me and not to harm me, and that he works all things to the good of those who love him.
I was unexpectedly incredibly blessed by a new friend today. The chance to talk through theology and to taste and see that the Lord is good were boldly presented to me today. At the end of today, I can say that I have seen more of God in this day than I have in quite a while. (and that says something, seeing as I get to see kids come to the Lord on such a regular basis.)
Be reassured, friends, that God's timing is perfect in every single way. I can see that at work in my own life right now. God orchestrates the tiniest details of our lives and uses them to bring us peace and to shows his might, and my goodness do I know and see that at work. Thank the Lord that we do not serve a God who leaves us hanging, leaves us unsure of how He feels about us, or leaves us wondering if He is even hearing us. Our God is greater, stronger, and higher than all of that.
About a year ago this time, God revealed to me the verse I so frequently sign on the back of kids tshirts: psalm 37:23-24-- "If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.".
God has huge plans for each of our lives. I talked today with my friend about how the world cannot understand what an upbeat mood I'm in when my life is chaotic. The world doesn't understand why or how I'm doing what I'm doing and frankly, neither do I. However, the result comes from being found in Him. Being found in Christ, as a new creation. We never need anything more, and I sincerely believe that will every stitch of my heart.
