God's Reassurances

I don't really have a lot to say tonight, but I do want to share something that continually amazes me -- God's reassurances.

I'm not sure why God has to step in over and over to reassure me of His promises.  It's not like I don't already know, because I do.  But, I get lost in the events of life.  I see Ben suffering under the effects of the chemo, or the immunization booster shot and I get ... lost.  I *know* God's promises, but when the reality of living blocks my view of the LORD, I guess I "forget".

However, God loves me so much, He doesn't mind reminding me just how much He loves me.  And, for that, I stand amazed.  I mean, I can't really remind my kids to do the same thing twice without a little "grump" in my voice, yet the LORD of the universe is patiently nodding, reminding me "yes, yes, My child, I love you and will take care of you."

I'm grateful He does that for me, and for each and every one of us.  He is always ready to show us His love.

So, one of the verses I cling to is God's promise for my life -- Jeremiah 29:11 (NASB):

'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

I've probably mentioned this promise multiple times over various posts.  Ben is our family's breadwinner.  His cancer is dangerous.  His struggles are constant.  As such, this makes the future feel quite uncertain, even bleak.   But that's not what God promises.  So, this verse, and Romans 8:28 (NASB) are the verses to which I cling.

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

If you've been reading this blog, you've seen me quote these before. But, I somehow forget.  Or, I let life consume me, and I lose sight of the truth of Scripture.  

On January 1st, I decided to start a new devotional that includes space to write thoughts and reflections.  The devotional, Jesus Calling, A 365-Day Journaling Devotional by Sara Young, was an impulse purchase as I bought Christmas presents.  When I bought it, I thought I might give it to someone, but I felt strongly as if I were to keep it.  So, I set it aside for my personal use.

As I sat to write, I reflected on how very much our lives had changed with Ben's diagnosis, and how the future was currently unrolling.  I was pondering how I'd use the guide and what I'd write while also considering the future of who might read it (hopefully just one of my children).  I opened the book to January and there it was, in print for me for all eternity.

God's mighty promise.



I was astounded.  I sat silent for a long time, simply looking at the page and the verse I cling to like Linus to his blanket.  This is my security verse and here it was, given to me by the LORD of the universe.  He knew I'd need it, so He urged me to keep the book.  And while looking at this verse, I was surrounded by a profound feeling of love, and care.

And that's how I started my new year, the year of our LORD 2015.  

Thank You, my Father, for loving me so much!  I pray that you who are reading this will feel the warmth and undeniable presence of His love right now, wherever you are, and whatever you may be going through.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NASB

¹⁶ Rejoice always; ¹⁷ pray without ceasing; ¹⁸ in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

*Graphics at beginning of page is from the website HubPages, specifically the collection of Carla Chadwick.  All credit for the lovely image belongs to her.