Go out in joy and be led forth in peace

Summer has officially started.  We may not have had much winter, probably more than some people wanted, but not enough for me.  Now though, it is time for summer.  My summer plans include addressing the yard work that was left undone when I was away last summer and the garage work that resulted from the winter.  I don’t want to mention the fact that my basement flooring and baseboards are 90% completed now and need to be finished.

I spend a lot of time doing things in spring and fall, so summer is for chores and winter is for reading and planning.  My life has similar patterns from year to year.  The predictability is nice, but the reminder to do the mundane things like deep cleaning and more involved projects need time set aside with planning to get them done.

I love the change of seasons, but I am never ready for the next project or pattern of life.  How we prepare for the change matters.  God is concerned with our intentionality and planning, because His plans are far greater than our own.  Have you invited Him into what you are going to do next?  God speaks to us in Isaiah 55 about our plans.

8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.

9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 

10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,

11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

12 You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.

We plan for big and small events in our lives, from graduations and marriages to dinner and movies.  Just as we prepare for every change in the seasons of life, He speaks to us in our planning and wants to bless us.  He wants to draw us into deeper relationship with Himself and teach us how to worship in any situation.  God uses every task, frustration, and blessing to accomplish His purposes.

God speaks to us in ways that we understand as we go about our daily lives, are we listening? Are you focused on God’s glory? He is leading us through the patterns of life to transform us into His people, that is part of His plan.  He is teaching us about Himself, His instruction does not return void to Him, rather it accomplishes what God needs it to for His purposes to be made complete.

Let us praise God for His instruction, let us find joy in His purposes from whatever chores, projects, or events this next season in life brings.