“I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.” Jeremiah 29:14 NIV
One Saturday morning I stumbled onto a precious scene: our second grader was curled up on the floor with a book and Tipper. She was reading aloud and Tipper was listening intently. Her eyes even followed our daughter’s finger as she pointed out the words.
Tipper was choosing to listen. Even though she probably didn’t understand every word. Even though she might not like the sound of every word, she sat through the entire story.
I think a few reasons Tipper endured and was even attentive to the reading include:
She loves who was reading.
She trusts who was speaking the words.
She knows our daughter would never hurt her.
What about me?
Do I avoid God’s word, not trusting the One who wrote it? Am I feeling there’s no possible way He loves me? Do I realize His intentions are to never harm me? He promises in the famous passage of Jeremiah 29:11 that:
He has plans for me
He knows those plans
Those plans will not harm me
Those plans will prosper me
Those plans will give me a hope
Those plans will give me a future
That’s many encouraging promises I choose to ignore when I refuse to look at or listen to His word.
Tipper is just a puppy. However, she has great wisdom in listening to and spending time with the ones she knows and trusts, knowing we love her.
May I become more like Tipper in this way, trusting when I can’t comprehend and following when I’m unsure, always choosing to listen to God.
Reflections:
What promise or promises do I often forget?
How can I apply the promises of Jeremiah 29:11 to my life?
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father,
Please remind me of your promises in Jeremiah 29:11. When I am unsure of events or intentions please remind me that I can trust in Your Word and count on Your promises.
Amen.
Thank you for reading! Please return by Monday, November 9 for the next post.