Thursday, August 8, 2024

Listen to the Word

“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 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)

After assuring you that he has good plans for you, God invites you to seek HIM instead of merely seeking his plans. Often, when you do that, you will also find God’s plans in the process. 

If you asked me to order your food for you at a restaurant, I couldn’t do it. I don’t know you well enough to know your preferences - I don’t know what your will would be regarding a meal. But if someone in my family asks me to order for them, it is no problem. I eat with them often, so I know what they like and what they don’t like. Knowing their will is a natural byproduct of knowing them. Likewise, the more you spend time with God and get to know him, the more you understand his preferences, desires, and values. Knowing his will increasingly becomes second nature to you.

When you seek God, you generally get knowledge of God’s will with the package. Even when you don’t, you get God, and that is enough.

Live the Word

Repeat this “breath prayer” multiple times today, as often as it comes to your mind: “Lord, I want to know you.”