Wait and Listen

So, I thought about starting a new thing
It would have put me in a position of leading
With fine detail I thought about how it I would be implementing
As the date to start it was approaching
And was about to run the idea past a friend
The Holy Spirit said “wait and listen”
When you do A, then you have to do B
And have you even thought about C?
And what if this thing grows
Are you prepared to handle the bigger load?”

And I reflected on these questions and responded no
My “well” thought out plan was lacking materially
I’m thankful the Holy Spirit spoke to me
And I’m thankful I didn’t act stubborn or hastily
For now, I’ll put the plan on hold cause, it’s best for me
It’s not that God is denying what I seek
He just wants my creations to go successfully.

Scripture Reference: Psalm 27:14, Isaiah 55:8-9
Background

Years ago when I set my mind to do something I would do it. I may not have necessarily prayed about it first and asked God for His counsel or I may not have run it past anyone. But I learned from experience that if something does not feel right to do, then don’t do it. So this time when I carefully crafted my plan; I waited a few days before implementation or asking anyone’s opinion about it. During the time of wait, God showed me some things I never even though about. Like Isaiah 55 8-9 says His thoughts are not our thoughts—they are so much higher. I thought I was so prepared and I wasn’t prepared at all. Psalm 27:14 tells us to wait on the Lord and He shall strengthen our heart. Now that God has shown me what I need to have before implementation, my plan will be stronger than ever.

Still Reasons To Give God Praise

I was able to go to church and get in my praise
But I can’t do anything else I planned today
The body won’t cooperate
I now understand the Scriptures in James (4:14)
Do what you can each day
As you don’t know what tomorrow will bring your way

But I won’t complain
There’s still reasons to give praise
I’m not in such shape that at home I can’t stay
I got a comfortable bed in which to lay
Got the juice and meds I need to take
So I’m really OK
I’ll just rest and pray
That I’ll feel better the next day

I’ve experienced in life
That even in dark moments, there’s something bright
It can be hard to see, but when you look carefully
And consider that worse it could be
There’s still reasons to give God thanks and praise.

Scripture Reference 1 Timothy 5:18
Background

Even when something bad happens, usually something good can be found in the bad, and that makes a reason to give God thanks. For example, you may be sick, but thank God for a bed to rest in or loving people to help you and to comfort you. You may not have a job, but thank God He is still housing and feeding you. Even when something bad happens all of a sudden, God can bring something good along with it. I remember just as soon as I fell off a bike, some stranger came walking down the street to help me get up. Things can always be worse, so I learned in everything to give God thanks.

A Place for Me

Somewhere there’s a place for me
Where trouble would have ceased
Right now it’s just a dream
But God can make it a reality

A place for me
Where sunshine is all I’ll see
Can roam carelessly in the streets
Just exist happily and free

So tired of this way of living
You are merciful and forgiving
Somehow, someway I pray
I wake up and things will have changed

I know You will, I know You can
So take my hand
And guide me away
To the new place to stay
Thanks in advance I pray.

Scripture references: Psalm 51, Ephesians 3:20
Background
Problems can be so great and unbearable that sometimes you just want to pack up and move to a dream place where problems don’t exist. It doesn’t have to be heaven, especially if you are not ready to transition. It doesn’t have to be a physical place at all. It could just be a removal of the problems that are troubling you. When things would get unbearable, I would read Psalm 51 a lot. The Psalm is about pleading with God to help you while at the same time acknowledging that you have sinned and need His forgiveness. I used to pray for a better place to live for many years. And not only did God give it to me, He blessed me with some stuff I only dreamed would come true. God is able to do exceeding, abundantly above all we ask or think—as if He is taking us into a dream land.