Jeremiah 29:11. This is my favorite verse. It’s a common one, but in the past few days, I’ve seen it in some way or another at least 10 times. I know I should let God handle my problems… but it’s difficult. I’m a bit of a control freak and there is so much that is out of my control. I know fear and faith cannot exist at the same time, so I should have faith… but it’s difficult. It’s hard not to worry about things that seem big.

In the grand scheme of things, it’s not the end of the world. I’m cancer free, my kids & husband are healthy and we are settling into our new town. The bumps in the road that we are experiencing are ones we will overcome… but it’s difficult. The stress feels like an elephant sitting on my chest. I’m sick to my stomach but still “stress eating.” It’s crazy cold outside so I don’t feel like going for a walk to burn off some steam. It’s difficult to know what to do. It’s nothing I can fix or control or make better.

I don’t have an answer. I gave away my magic wand before we moved. Let’s go back to the verse. The first part is what is commonly quoted, but let’s go further…

11 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. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Verse 12 & 13… “pray to me and I will listen to you. Seek me with all of your heart.” All of your heart… but it’s difficult – we think we know better. We think that we in control and it’s hard to let go. I have a lot yet to learn. We all do. God knows that, so he sends reminders- if we listen.

Peace be with you on your journey of enough. May you pay attention to those reminders or messages along the way.