Lent, Day 34: GOD HAS A PLAN

Scripture:   Jeremiah 33:10-16 

Focus on the Word

Judah and Israel were desolate.  It was said of them that their land was a waste land, "without man and without beast…desolate…without inhabitant" (Jeremiah 33:10, NASB).  This was not to be the final word, however.  God had a plan. He was going to do such a great work of restoration and renewal that in the land once called desolate would be heard, "The voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voice of those who say, 'Give thanks to the Lord of hosts, for the Lord is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting" (Jeremiah 33:11, NASB).  

In His great grace and mercy and faithfulness God said, "I will fulfill the good word which I have spoken concerning the house of Israel and the house of Judah…I will cause a righteous Branch of David to spring forth; and He shall execute justice and righteousness on the earth.  In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will dwell in safety; and this is the name by which she will be called: 'The Lord is our righteousness'" (Jeremiah 33:14-16, NASB).

Lent is a time to remember God has a plan.  God is up to something.  The future created by God is barreling down on His people, and hope is on the horizon.  Already, we can feel the joy.  Already we are sensing the wonder of God who fulfills His Word.  Something is stirring among us and we find that it is time to be still, to listen, and to pray.  God of everlasting love is taking over.

Can you hear it?  Someone off in the distance is singing,

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.

Leave to thy God to order and provide;

In every change, He faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend

Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

(Katharina A. von Schlegel, 1752)

Today’s Prayer

"Jesus, Lover of my soul,  

Let me to Thy bosom fly;

While the nearer waters roll, 

While the tempest still is high!

Hide me, O my Saviour, hide, 

Till the storm of life is past,

Safe into the haven guide;  

O receive my soul at last!

(Charles Wesley, 1740)