1. God’s thoughts are not the same as our thoughts (8-9)

8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. (Matthew 14)

2. Jesus as the Light (4, 5, 9)

10 As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

3. Fruits of joy and peace (12-13)

12 You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.
13 Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper,
and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
This will be for the Lord’s renown,
for an everlasting sign,
that will endure forever.”

Summary

We are not able to understand everything that God does. Things that seem bad to us will be certainly changed into good in God’s plan. God may have something even better for the things that we think good already. Let’s not lose our hope by assuming the result within what we can see, or compromise only to our expectation. Rather, let’s have a high hope in God. God promises joy and peace for the life we walk with Jesus.

For Discussion

Looking back this past year, did God fulfill his promise of joy and peace to you? Did He keep His promise to be always with you, in both good times and bad times?