Tag: Jesus

God’s Purposes for Us

“The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me; Your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of Your hands.”

– Psalm 138:8

I came across this passage the other day as I was reading through the book of Psalms. It used to be a favorite verse of mine, but I hadn’t read it in some time and had forgotten about it.

What I like about the verse is how it focuses on the truth that God has a purpose for me – and for each one of us – but it’s not our job to fulfill that purpose. It’s the LORD’s job.

This thought is so comforting to me.

Why? Because I’ve spent a good amount of time throughout my life fretting about discovering and fulfilling God’s purpose for me. Now, I definitely think we need to seek our Heavenly Father for guidance regarding this process, as well as use the wisdom He gives us to step out in faith. But I also think that sometimes we place more importance on our own contribution to this undertaking.

The above verse begins with, “The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me.” Whose purpose is it? God’s. And who is responsible for carrying out this purpose? Also God. So many times I’ve worried that I’m not accomplishing all that the Lord has planned for me. But what I should be concerned about is surrendering to God’s ways and responding to Him in obedience. 

The next part of the verse reads, “Your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.” God works in our lives according to His purpose because of how much He loves us! He cares about us enough to be involved in our day-to-day existence and to guide us along the path that He knows is best for us…and that will bring Him the most glory.

The verse ends with, “Do not forsake the work of Your hands.” God created us and sustains us. He formed us from the dust, and we are who we are and can do what we do only because of Him.

Shouldn’t it follow that we look to Him to fulfill His purpose for us?

As we walk with the Lord closely each day, I believe that He will show us the way to take…and give us the ability to fulfill his specific plans for us. ❤

P.S. How has God guided you in the past regarding His purpose(s) for you?

 

Photo by Kyle Broad on Unsplash

What Wondrous Love

I’ve been having a difficult time this year focusing on the meaning behind the Easter season. Whenever I go out to the store, there are various displays of candy and toys and other paraphernalia that people are racing to throw into their carts. Now I’m not saying that these things are bad necessarily, but sometimes it’s hard to look past all of that to Jesus and what He did for us.

And what did he do for us? Because of His great love for us, He allowed Himself to be beaten and mocked and nailed to a cross. He went through this agony for us – for you and for me – because we needed His forgiveness for our sins. And because of His resurrection three days later, we can live in freedom and abundance.

What wondrous love is this! It’s a love that we do not deserve. It’s a love that is pure and unselfish and kind. It’s a love that wants the best for each one of us…and we can receive God’s best by choosing to walk with Him!

So what has been filling your mind and life this holiday season? Are you getting caught up in things that don’t matter much in the long run? Or are you clinging to Christ and to His wondrous love for us? ❤

What Wondrous Love Is This
American Folk Hymn

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this
That caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul!

When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down
Beneath God’s righteous frown,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul for my soul,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.

To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb,
Who is the great I AM,
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing,
While millions join the theme, I will sing.

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on.
And when from death I’m free
I’ll sing His love for me,
And through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
And through eternity I’ll sing on.

*We’re playing the above song on handbells at church tomorrow. Prayerfully we’ll do okay! 😀 Happy Easter to each of you…I hope you have a nice time with your family and friends or however you choose to spend the holiday. Let’s just remember the One Who is behind it all.

Photo Credit: Lukas Budimaier