For I Know the Plans...Jeremiah 29:11

 "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." Jeremiah 29:11

For me, this is one of the most amazing scriptures. The Lord declares He has a specific plan for you. How amazing is that?! We may occasionally deviate from the path, turn our backs on the Lord, or even go kicking and screaming in a different direction. But our God is patiently waiting to guide our steps back onto the path He has set us on.

I admit I am one of those who has tumbled off the path and right into the weeds or rolled down the hill and landed head-first into the creek. I have even listened to the Lord and flat-out told Him no. Yes, I admit to telling my Lord and Savior I wasn't going to do something He wanted me to do. Eventually, I stopped hiding from Him and accepted the task He laid at my feet but there were times I was not happy about it.

Currently, I am at a crossroads, questioning where things are going, and doing my best to
calm my life enough to sit quietly in the presence of the Lord and listen to what He is telling me. In today's hectic world where people are connected 24/7, it is sometimes difficult to hear the Lord's soft whisper. 

Take 10 or 15 minutes out of your day, close the laptop, turn off the phone, and tune into the Lord. Ask Him to give you peace, focus on the softness of His voice as He renews your spirit. Find a space where you can sit quietly, focus on your breathing, and ask the Lord to come for a visit. 

In the winter, I sit in my living room first thing in the morning with my cup of coffee and my Bible. I leave my phone and computer in a different room and invite the Lord to come sit with me as I tell Him my fears and my hopes, and ask Him for direction. I then sit quietly, taking deep, calming breaths and listening for His words. In the summer months, I head outside to my covered patio for my alone time with the Lord. No matter where I am, He comes for a visit and when the busyness of the day begins, I feel His touch and know He is still there, guiding my steps.