My family and I took a recent road trip. My husband usually likes to get on the road while it’s still pitch black before any glimmer of daylight is noticeable in the sky. On this particular trip, we were taking unfamiliar roads.
It made me think about the fact that so often, we start off our journey not knowing the path. We often start out in the dark, uncertain about the way we are going.
While it was dark when we started our trip, daylight began to emerge. The landscape began to get lighter around us. Dawn started to appear, and before too long, the dark would be a distant past.
Our journey is full of unknowns
The other thing I realized as we ventured out on our trip was that while we knew our ultimate destination, we kind of knew the path we were headed, although we didn’t exactly know what the trip would entail. We were driving new roads to us. We had a reservation where we were to stay, but we didn’t know exactly how to get there or what our surroundings would look like. Despite all the unknowns on our journey, it’s okay because God knows.
That’s the way it is in our journey in life. Scripture says in Psalm 30:5, “Though weeping may last for the night, joy comes in the morning.”
The other verse it makes me think of is Jeremiah 29:11 which says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a future and a hope.”
God is always with us
I was reminded of that on our trip because even though we knew the general path that we were supposed to take, and we knew the general destination that we were going to, and we knew generally what we were supposed to do when we got there, there were a whole lot of unknowns on the journey that we were taking. But it was alright because God was with us, He was going with us, and the ultimate destination was up to Him. And He knows the plans He has for us, which were to prosper us and not to harm us, and included a future and a hope.
And although weeping may last for a night (and the night before our trip was an incredibly painful night for me), He promises that joy comes in the morning. As we drove, we could see morning come. We started off in the dark, we could see daylight approach.
You are not alone
I want to encourage you today, that whatever darkness you might be traveling in, you aren’t alone. God is with you. He knows how he’s going to get you where He wants you to go, and He will travel with you. His plans for you are good, and daytime is coming.
Wherever this day finds you, I hope you are encouraged. You are not alone. He knows the plans He has individually designed for you, the path He wants you to take, and He’s going to get you there. Enjoy the journey because He has your destination all mapped out. Trust Him as you journey hand in hand.
Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
Related reading:
Depression doesn’t have to become a permanent part of life.
There is hope.
Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression and the companion Hope Prevails Bible Study help the reader understand how depression comes to be, recover their joy, reclaim their peace, and re-establish their true identity, while knowing their worth, remembering their secure destiny, and being confident that nothing separates them from God’s love.
Hope Prevails and the Hope Prevails Bible Study are must-reads for anyone suffering from depression or knows someone suffering from depression.
“There are many fine, worthy, and insightful books written about depression but in my view, Dr. Bengtson’s trumps them all. Our first step of making it to the other side of the valley of depression may well be falling into the competent and compassionately written words of this God-honoring book: Hope Prevails.” ~ Marilyn Meberg, Speaker, Women of Faith
Visiting this post from #HappyNow. We’re blogging neighbors in a lot of places today.
Thanks so much for visiting and supporting! Write On!! #HopePrevails
Hi Michelle. I love this post! Jeremiah 29:11 has been one of my life verses and is one of the first I taught my children. Shared on Pinterest and visiting today from Tea and Word Tuesday. Praying peace and grace over you today, Tammy
Tammy, thanks for taking the time to visit today and for sharing with others. Jeremiah 29:11 has been such an encouragement to me so many times. It is packed with Heavenly promised! Blessings to you today and everyday!
Thank you for constantly encouraging us!
Anita, you are always such a sweet encouragement. I simply love it when you take the time to visit here. Thanks!
He, Michelle, Thank you for the reminder that though we may feel like we are in the dark at times, we KNOW that God is with us and that when we arrive at our destination, He is already there. I love the verse you referenced, Jeremiah 29:11 as it has great promise and comfort to us!
Hi Cindy! So nice to have you drop by here. The promise of Jeremiah 29:11 has ministered to my heart more times than I can begin to count. I’m so grateful for His promises like that one, especially during the dark times.
Sometimes, is guess the only way to the light is through the dark.
Well, yes, I think that whatever darkness we go through will certainly allow the light to shine brighter and for us to appreciate it more.
Insightful analogy here Michelle and I love these verses that promise God’s presence and faithfulness. Thanks for sharing! Happy to stop by from Crystal’s!
Thank you Jill! I pray that this encourages others who feel they are all alone in a dark season.
Thank you for the wonderful reminder, Michelle. God is with us through darkness and light – no matter what comes into out lives. Blessings to you!
Laurie, I find it such a comfort to know that He is with us through darkness and light. Nothing takes Him by surprise, and He not only goes before us, but walks alongside us, and comes behind.
what a beautiful encouraging post thanks so much for sharing
preacher said that if we have faith we will reach our destination one day glad you shared the scripture.