The Best Laid Plans...

Today is the longest day of the year and the first day of summer. I was so prepared for the event - I had social media ready at work, I was going to get some great pictures of the sunshine and I was going to spend some time out in the hammock relaxing in the warm summer sun.

But that was not meant to be.

Instead of extended hours of sunlight, dark clouds blotted out the sun. It was fairly warm, but not enough to sit outside, let alone bask in the warmth.

To be totally honest, I wondered why God has chosen to fill the past few months with clouds and dreariness and rain. We’re not able to get outside and do the things we consider important for being good stewards of what He’s given us. My planner is filled with to-do lists that keep getting pushed back week after week.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater, So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereunto I send it. Isaiah 55:8-11

The picture of the world that I see is very small and very simple, coming from my experience and my perspective. I see only a tiny snapshot of the way God is orchestrating circumstances around me, for me and through me. He has a plan and a purpose, even when I don’t see it right now.

God’s ways are absolutely perfect, and His thoughts are so much more thoughtful than mine are. Higher is the word He uses in this passage of Isaiah, but that doesn’t do it justice. There is no scale of “God’s thoughts to my thoughts” that is adequate. I am humbled that His thoughts are toward me in the first place, let alone that He is using me for His honor and glory.

As you finish your week and get ready for the weekend, I pray you will lay aside your own plans for a bit and spend some time asking God what His thoughts and ways are for you. We may never see the big picture God has planned until we get to heaven, but we can take the time today to ask Him for insight and clarity of thought.

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