‘For I know the plans that I have for you; declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.’ Jeremiah 29:11-13
The other day I was sitting in the sun thinking on Jesus and I saw myself as a little girl. I was 8 or 9, and I was in Mom’s garden braiding the corn silks and talking away. At that moment I had an epiphany and I said to Him, “It was You!” He said, “Yes, it was always Me.”
I love the LORD, because He hears my voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live. Return to your rest, O my soul, for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you. Psalm 116:1-2,7
Our parents used to take us to Catholic services when we were small. I remember thinking that I couldn’t wait to grow up so I could wear a mantilla on my head during church. I thought it was lovely! I had my first communion when I was 8, and I was delighted to wear a white lace dress and mantilla! I remember feeling like a princess. We only went for a short time after that, yet there was a longing in me.
At night my soul longs for Thee, indeed, my spirit within me seeks Thee diligently. Isaiah 26:9a
In my post ‘Mean Faces’, I shared about searching for Jesus at age 15. At the time, I had forgotten about attending Vacation Bible School the summer before I turned 7. I only remembered because I found a certificate in some of Mom’s old papers. I believe I met Jesus then, but I had no one to help me grow in Him, or get to know Him more. I spoke with Him all the time, but had forgotten His name. I just knew that I felt safe and peaceful when I talked with Him, even as a 15 year old sitting on my floor, arms lifted and praying to Wakan Tanka.
My husband learned that He was ‘the One’. (Mt. 11:3 and Is. 43:25) He had heard a voice as a teen though he’d not been to church before, but when our youngest son died as a baby twice in one night, Ron spoke to the One. He said, “I know You can do something about this.” Chris revived. The second time, Ron said, “You did it before and I know You can do it again.” He did!
I believe He is always speaking to us, wooing us and guiding us with His love. Lord, may we always hear Your voice. I believe He’s the One who gives us a warning or an uneasiness inside when something just isn’t right. I have heard people say many times, “I knew I shouldn’t have done that because something didn’t feel right, but I did it anyway and ‘this’ happened.” Some people would then blame it on the Lord. He was there in the wrong choices, but He never makes us choose which way to go. He promised to never leave us or forsake us even when we ignore Him. (Deuteronomy 31:6 and 8; Joshua 1:5; Hebrews 13:5)
Let me hear Thy lovingkindness in the morning; For I trust in Thee; Teach me the way in which I should walk; For to Thee I lift up my soul. Psalm 143:8
Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah. Psalm 62:8
This woman I have formed for Myself, she shall declare My praise. (I personalized this from Isaiah 43:21)
Yes, Lord, I shall declare Your praise for ever more! Thank You for never giving up on me.
Beloved, you are chosen of Him to bear His name, to show forth His love in all you do and say. Be blessed today as He works in you, refining you for His purpose and name sake for you are His bride and He is your Husband. The two became One. Amen and so be it. Selah.
