“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. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”
—Jeremiah 29:11-14

Found

I do not know the steps ahead,
but You do.
Plans stitched with hope,
woven in threads of the future,
Your gentle hands guide each movement—
never harm, only growth.

I seek You—
in the quiet of morning,
in the depths of a heavy heart.
You listen as I whisper,
and I find You, always near,
when I search with my whole soul.

You gather the pieces
from distant lands and exiled hearts,
and in Your mercy,
bring me home.

When my heart aches,
when the road feels too long,
I call, and You come.
You gather the scattered parts of me,
pulling them back from captivity,
back to the place where love began.

In the space between promises
and fulfillment, I wait,
knowing You are faithful.
You speak of plans—
not dreams shattered,
but futures rebuilt in grace.

You gather what is scattered,
pull the lost threads of my soul,
bringing them together.
You are there, in the distance,
calling me to come,
calling me to trust.

I have wandered far,
but You have always known the way.
Your plans stretch beyond what I see,
past the barriers of doubt
and the shadows of fear.

And when I call,
You answer.
When I seek,
You are found.
Not hidden, not distant,
but waiting—
arms open,
gathering me back from the exile
of my own making,
restoring what I thought was lost forever.


—

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11-14, Psalm 34:18

In the hustle of life, it’s easy to feel scattered—like pieces of ourselves are left behind in moments of disappointment, regret, or fear. Psalm 34:18 reminds us that God is close to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit. We walk through seasons of uncertainty, unsure of where to turn or how to find our way back. In these times, Jeremiah 29:11-14 reassures us that God’s plans are always for our good, filled with hope and a future.

When we seek God with all our hearts (Deuteronomy 4:29), we discover His presence in the midst of our circumstances. He listens to our prayers (Psalm 66:19-20) and gathers the fragments of our lives to restore us. The poem reflects this promise: “You gather the scattered parts of me, pulling them back from captivity, back to the place where love began.” Restoration is not just about physical return; it’s about the deep spiritual renewal that only God can provide.

God’s faithfulness shines through even in our waiting seasons. Romans 8:28 reminds us that He works all things together for the good of those who love Him. His plans are not hindered by our missteps or doubts; rather, they are shaped by His grace and love. The waiting is not wasted—it’s where He shapes and strengthens us (Isaiah 40:31).

Where do you feel distant from God right now? Are there areas of your life that feel scattered or in exile? Consider Psalm 23:3, which declares that God restores our souls and guides us along the right paths for His name’s sake. As you reflect on His past faithfulness, let it strengthen your faith for the future.

~~~~~

Father, thank You for the plans You have for me—plans filled with hope and a future. Even when I feel scattered or lost, You gather the pieces of my life and restore what feels broken. Help me to seek You with all my heart, to trust in Your promises, and to wait patiently for the fulfillment of Your plans. Thank You for always listening to my prayers and for being near when I call. Guide me in Your truth and remind me of Your faithfulness, so I may walk confidently in the hope You provide. In Jesus’ name, amen.

December 23 2024