Plans to be Still

"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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.'"

Jeremiah 29:11-13

 

I was reminded of these verses yet again this week when my plans were interupted. There were things that I wanted to do. But the Lord said, "No, Janelle, instead you must be still."

 

How did He cause me to be still? By having me use some sick days from school. (Can I just say that I'm pretty sure there is no other profession that avoids sick days at all costs, but teachers?! It's just so hard to stay away from your classroom unless you physically aren't up to it.)

 

But alas, that was me this week. No matter what I wanted to do, God had other things in mind.

 

Too often, I put my agenda ahead of His. This was a good reminder for me of the importance of continually seeking His will for my life each day and putting His plans ahead of my own, no matter how good my intents may be.

 

So I've been doing lots of resting, both physically and spiritually over the past few days. I'll admit it has been good to spend some quiet hours in prayer and searching the Word.

 

The old familiar hymn Be Still my Soul  has been on my heart over the past few months, including this week. While searching for a new version of it, I came across this beautiful version. (Hmm, new worship song to learn for church?)

 

The challenge I leave with you is to be still before Him. And in doing this, find rest for your soul in Him alone.