(Reposted from December 25, 2003)
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“Merry Christmas, darling.”
That’s what I heard from Bob as he rolled over & stretched lazily.
My response almost surprised me. Totally unbidden, the words pushed through my lips. “For I know the plans I have for you (says the LORD) - plans to prosper you & not to harm you, plans to give you a hope & a future.”
Continuing to surprise me, those words just kept rolling around in my partially awake mind. Like a stuck record? No; more like prayerfully repeating a favorite worship chorus…
God knows the plans for me - even if I don’t know what those plans are.
They are the plans HE has for me. Not just that He knows about them, but they are HIS plans. So cool.
His plans are to prosper me - though not necessarily financially.
His plans will not harm me - what a comfort.
He has hope and a future waiting for me.
Luxuriating in the relaxed Christmas morning mood (the kids who arrived last night & are sleeping in the other bedrooms are all grown up now so they are not pounding on our door reminding us it’s time to get up!!!)…
…letting myself wake up lazily, gazing out the window…
What an awesome sight!!!! The woods have been transformed to a winter wonderland - a white Christmas to be dreamed of and sung about. A white Christmas, by the way, that was a last-minute surprise to the meteorologists. Gotta’ love it when God surprises the experts.
I seem to hear Barbra Streisand’s voice… “snow flutt’ring down & the world is new….” Yes, a fresh snow makes the world look brand new. Sorta’ like every morning brings a fresh start. And like God’s mercies - new every morning. So great is His faithfulness.
Snowflakes lazily drifting through the air. Not in a hurry, but enticing me to slow down & take some time. They dare me to just gaze at them. To do nothing. To meditate - that sounds more spiritual, doesn’t it?
Peace. Hmm… so peaceful. This idyllic scene epitomizes peace.
Peace amid headlines of war & increased terror threats.
Peace amid personal & financial losses.
Peace despite receiving “bad news.”
Peace that passes understanding - that can’t be explained.
Wait; that’s EXACTLY what my friend prayed for me a couple days ago. Peace that can’t be explained. And yet, somehow it makes perfect sense. After all, the prince of peace Himself lives inside me. Whoa. What an awesome thing.
The same LORD who whispered into my wakening thoughts: For I know the plans I have for you…
The same God who surprised the experts by giving us this gorgeous white Christmas morning…
This same Jesus whispers peace to my mind and my shaky emotions.
Thank you, Jesus.
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I’m not the only one who received bad news this week.
I’m not the only one tired of medical procedures.
Ours isn’t the only house where things didn’t go perfectly yesterday or the day before.
We’re not the only ones missing a loved one.
There are other families facing financial woes.
Others are separated from loved ones; some are FAR AWAY from home & family.
There are others concerned about job security & health issues.
Some have lost loved ones recently or experienced major life-changes.
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And so, dear friends, if you’re still with me…
Have you had a rough week? A rough year?
Are you carrying an unusually heavy load?
Maybe you’re lonely
Maybe you’ve received bad news
Maybe you’re struggling financially or relationally
Maybe you’re concerned about job security
Maybe you’re feeling worn out and vulnerable
Maybe the future seems uncertain
Whatever your concern, God knows the plans that HE has for you, plans to prosper you & not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
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My wish for you… Yes, my prayer for you is this:
Peace in the midst of trouble.
Hope to combat fear.
The joy of the LORD to give you strength.
May the prince of peace be the LORD of your tomorrows.
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