God does have a plan!

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Jer 29:11 (NLT)

Most of us are familiar with the verse.  We like this verse.  It is a great promise and is very comforting.  There is just one problem.  We really need to remember context is everything.  God speaks to the Jewish people through Jeremiah while they are in captivity.  They have been deported to Babylon.  They are reaping the consequences of many years of rebellion and not turning back to the Lord.
The point is that God is telling them.  Right now you are upset, hurting and troubled but its OK because I have a plan that is good.  This things that seems horrible to you now, and it is, is not what I have for you always.  I am reminded that in order for us to get to the mountaintop we will eventually have to go through a valley.
Remember that it may seem bad now but God has plans for you that are full of hope and a wonderful future.  It won't always be what we want and it certainly will not be easy.  But God knows what is best and He will give that to you because He is a great and loving God!

A sure Hope

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil,

Heb 6:19 (NASB95)

Depressed?

Why am I so depressed?

Why this turmoil within me?

Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him,

my Savior and my God.

Psalms 43:5 (HCSB)

This is an important word for the Christ Follower. I have met many who beat themselves up because sometime we get depressed. Understand that even King David, a man after God's own heart sometimes was depressed. We live in a fallen and depraved World and frankly that can be a little discouraging at times.
David asks himself why am I depressed? Why is this turmoil within me? He really never finds an answer. At least he doesn't share it in Psalm 43. But he does find a solution. Put your hope in God and praise Him.
I think there is an important principle here for the Christ follower. Hope and praise. Hope is not a might happen or wishful thinking. It is a certainty that we serve a great and powerful God who loves us very much. He never leaves us and He never forsakes us. So praise Him. Nothing will draw us out of depression faster than praising God. If we spend a little time reflecting on how great God is and all He has given us rather than our self pity and complaints, we might find the clouds of depression and discouragement dissipating.
So if you are depressed today don't beat yourself up and make yourself more discouraged. Hope and praise our awesome God!