Good Plans

“For I know the plans I have for you” – this is the Lord’s declaration – “plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” – (Jeremiah 29:11, HCSB)

“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 a hope and a future.” – (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

“I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.” This message is from the Lord. “I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future.” – (Jeremiah 29:11, ERV)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Eternal, “plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope – never forget that.” – (Jeremiah 29:11, VOICE) 

God is good and is faithful to fulfill His promises. He has good plans for us that include a hope and a future. The Lord is our protector and our source, and we can trust in Him to be who He says He is. May we ever seek God and place our trust in Him, for He is our hope and our future is found in Him.

Our future’s secure,

When we trust in Him;

Our hope, Protector,

Our Father and friend.

His plans are for good,

Full of love and peace;

His presence, promised,

Where grace is released.

Choose turn to the Lord,

By faith, trust in Him;

His love is assured,

And hope enters in.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have plans for each of us. Plans that include a hope and a future. Thank You that this is not just for us as children or young adults, but rather is true throughout our lifetime. Thank You that Your capacity to bring change and make things new, knows no end. Forgive us for feeling as if this is all there is. Thank You that in You, there is always more – more to learn, more growth, more love, more hope. Teach us to trust in You in all things and at all times. Show us how to love those around us in ways that convey hope and peace and Your perfect love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust our future in Your hands, and are assured that Your plans for us are good. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. – Psalm 23:6

May We Recognize His Goodness

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. – (Psalm 34:8, NIV) 

Give the Lord a chance to show you how good He is. Great blessings belong to the Lord. – (Psalm 34:8, ERV) 

Taste of His goodness; see how wonderful the Eternal truly is. Anyone who puts trust in Him will be blessed and comforted. – (Psalm 34:8, VOICE) 

The Lord is faithful to meet us as we seek Him. His goodness does not always manifest in the way we expect, but always, He is good. The more we trust, the more we find His comfort and presence that bless our hearts. This weekend is a strange one, as it has traditionally been a time to gather with family and enjoy time together. Today, we will share a meal and some of our favorite games with our dearest friends, while remaining very close to home. I will miss time with my mom, sister and extended family, but I know that there will still be blessings in the goodness of His presence as we trust in Him. May we all taste and see how good God is, for He is our space of comfort and safety in every season. 

The Lord, He is good, 

May all taste and see; 

Blessing and comfort, 

For you and for me. 

As we choose to trust, 

He makes His love clear; 

His goodness made plain, 

As we seek draw near. 

Let love lead the way, 

In all that we do; 

Give glory to God, 

As He makes things new. 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we need only pause to recognize how very good You are. No matter our situation or circumstances, thank You that You are present to help, protect and comfort. Forgive us for getting caught up in our own circumstances rather than trusting You. Teach us to rely on You, for You are our comfort and safety in every season. Show us how to love those around us well, so that all may taste and see how very good You are. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we make time to recognize how very good You are. Amen. 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. – Psalm 23:6

Love is Secure

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. – (Psalm 34:8, NIV)

Give the Lord a chance to show you how good He is. Great blessings belong to those who depend on Him! – (Psalm 34:8, ERV)

Taste of His goodness; see how wonderful the Eternal truly is. Anyone who puts trust in Him will be blessed and comforted. – (Psalm 34:8, VOICE)

 

Yesterday was an incredibly good day. So many of the things hoped for and trusted for, seemed to begin to fall into place. Though uncharacteristically quiet, the Zoom meeting with my Social Studies kiddos was the best attended one yet. I was so blessed to see faces and hear voices and laughter, of students who have been absent from my world for nearly six weeks. If that were not enough goodness for one day, I received a call at lunchtime from the gal I had been speaking with about yellow lab puppies. She let me know that there was only one remaining, and another family was asking, but she wanted me to have priority, as I had inquired first. We then and there had a Zoom meeting of our own, so that the boys and I could virtually meet our potential puppy. All three of us were smitten, and the decision was not at all difficult. With commitment made, I continued the remainder of my afternoon, Zooming with my art classes, answering emails, and receiving completed work that was submitted early. By the time my husband arrived home, I was ready to run out the door. I did give him time to relax and unwind for a few, followed by a masked trip to the pet store to prepare with our purchases for all things puppy. Puppy chow and treats, dog bed and bowl; potty pads and chew toys, collar and leash, puppy shampoo and brush, and a few other things that I cannot recall that I am certain we will “need” for our new fur baby. Our sweet addition will be picked up and brought home late this afternoon, following the conclusion of my workday. Though I know puppies are loads of work and care, it will be well worth it, and honestly, God prepared me long ago – I have twins! 😊

There was great joy in sharing our news with my mom as well. Though she has not had a dog in her household since we lived at home, she is the one, so many years ago, who first allowed my sweet greyhound to sleep on a bed (with her, no less) as she has a very tender spot for grand-dogs. It will be especially sweet to share photos and videos with mom as we endeavor in the wonderful new adventure.

All this to say that as we depend on God, and persevere in that to which we are called, He sees, He hears, and He loves in ways that are so very good. May we all seek Him and give God room to move as only He does.

 

Choose trust in the Lord,

Seek, taste and you’ll see;

Our God is for us,

His love meets our needs.

So much more than that,

He blesses each heart;

That keeps trusting Him,

As strength He imparts.

Keep looking to God,

You’ll find that He’s good;

His timing’s perfect,

And love is secured.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the blessings that come to fruition after they have been long hoped for and pursued. Thank You for those that are still hopes and dreams, as Your timing is perfect, even when we do not understand. Forgive us for our impatience, as we only see a glimpse of what is, whereas You see the end before things begin. Teach us to trust You and to embrace Your goodness and Your grace in every season; for You are so good. Show us how to love those around us in ways that bless, encourage, and uplift the hearts of all with Your goodness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose take notice of all the countless ways that You are good. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. – Psalm 23:6