You Are Loved and Not Forgotten - Encouragement for Today - July 24, 2020
You Are Loved and Not Forgotten
ARLENE PELLICANE
Lee en español
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.” Psalm 37:23 (NKJV)
Years ago, my mom was traveling next to a woman who was wrestling with a pie. The lady was trying to take out her work things and get settled while not upending the pie she held in her lap.
My mom offered to hold the pie, and soon a friendship was born. Turns out, the pie was a gift from the woman’s mother. My mom and her new friend, Karen, chatted for much of their flight and exchanged phone numbers. From that day on, Karen often joined us for family meals and celebrations. I even interned for a year at Karen’s workplace as a public relations assistant.
I don’t think my mom meeting Karen on that airplane was an accident, coincidence or good luck. These words imply randomness and chance. Our Heavenly Father is a God of divine order and planning. God never rolls the dice or crosses His fingers, hoping for the best. He spoke the world into existence!
I believe God arranged for the airplane meetup with that pie as the connector. Today’s key verse, Psalm 37:23, says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.”
What delightful thing might God be arranging for you today?
Maybe you’ll meet someone new this week who really needs a friend like you. Maybe you’re wondering where your rent payment will come from, and an unexpected check arrives in the mail. Maybe you’ll write a kind letter to your best friend, lifting her spirit and yours.
Now just because there’s divine order in your life doesn’t mean you won’t encounter difficulty and disappointment.
Right after the key verse, the psalmist David writes, “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds His hand. I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread” (Psalm 37:24-25, NKJV).
Falls in life are inevitable but not irreversible. God has a grand plan not just for individuals, but for generations.
My parents celebrated their 50th anniversary earlier this year. We were supposed to take a family vacation to celebrate this milestone. But like many of us, our plans were changed by COVID-19. We stayed home and didn’t see each other. But you know what? Our steps are still divinely ordered. We know all things work together for the good of those who love God and who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) Who knows? Maybe God has something even better planned.
Our lives are not haphazard. We are not victims of chance, chaos, tough luck or bad timing. We can live in peace even in troubled times because our days are ordered by an Almighty God who loves us. The more you get to know God, the sweeter and sweeter your relationship with Him will become. His plans for you are good. You are loved and not forgotten. He knows exactly where you are and will continue to be the architect of your divinely ordered life.
Heavenly Father, thank You for ordering my life. I choose to trust in You and find my delight in Your laws. I commit my ways to You and ask for divine guidance over my life. I rest in You, believing You’re working all things for good in my life. Come and have Your way in me. Keep my heart steadfast in hope, and fill me with joy today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Psalm 37:18, “The LORD knows the days of the upright, And their inheritance shall be forever.” (NKJV)
Proverbs 29:25, “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” (NIV)
RELATED RESOURCES:
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Maybe you’re a mom or know a mom who needs more peace in her home. Arlene Pellicane’s book, 31 Days to Becoming a Happy Mom, provides practical advice and encouragement for moms.
CONNECT:
Arlene’s Happy Home Podcast has a new home! You can find it along with specially chosen podcasts and music for you at Access More.
REFLECT AND RESPOND:
What has happened recently that seemed like a “God moment” for you? Please share it in the comments!
What’s something you are trusting God to figure out on your behalf or for a loved one? Take a moment to pray for that situation, and thank God ahead of time for His divine order and guidance.
© 2020 by Arlene Pellicane. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
