Storm Warning: Eye on the Sky — Monday
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.” (NIV)
Growing up, my little brother was terrified of storms. One time when my brother was six years old, we weathered a pretty bad storm. To say my brother freaked out would be an understatement. He cried so hard that he made himself throw up more than once. Though he was younger than me, his reaction made me consider if I should also be worried. On the other hand, my parents were cool, calm, and collected during all this. We sat on the couch and watched TV like normal while I could hear the wind howling outside, and all I could think was, “What are you all doing? Aren’t you worried? Don’t you know what’s happening outside?”
What I didn’t understand was that my parents knew something that I didn’t. They were keeping a close eye on the weather radar and knew the worst of the storm had passed. They were trying to distract us from what was happening on the other side of the door. They knew that we were safe. If I’m being honest with myself, when I start to feel like things aren't going my way, I start to react a little like my brother and I did years ago. I may not cry so hard that I get sick, but internally, I throw a fit and ask God questions like, “What are you doing? Don’t you know what’s happening to me?”
The older I get, the more I want to grasp for control, and when I don’t feel in control of whatever situation I’m facing, it feels like there is no control to be had at all. However, I have to remind myself that God is the one who has control. Today, I am finding a lot of encouragement in this verse from Jeremiah, and I hope you can, too. It’s good to know that God knows what the plan is. He has no plans to harm us but, instead, to give us hope and a future. This is the confidence that we need to walk with no fear into whatever storm is next.
Monday’s Reflection
At the beginning of each day this week, pray this prayer: “God I give this day to you. You are in control.” See what the Lord will do when you give each day to Him.