God's Thoughts

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.  Jeremiah 29:11-13

These familiar verses are  promises that God made to the Israelites when they were exiled in Babylon. His promises are not only applicable to the Israelites in the Old Testament, but for us as well today.

His plans for us are really His thoughts or purposes toward us. They are generous thoughts filled with the hope of His protection and direction for our lives. I really like the verses that follow this promise because if we seek God, He not only is attentive to our prayers, but more importantly we can discover so much more about Him when we are totally committed to the search!

As I pondered these promises, I wondered how this might apply to our thoughts toward others we come in contact with each day.

• Are our thoughts and purposes toward others intentional, seeking to find the best in and for that other person?
• Do we listen with an attentive heart to their problems, needs and heartbreaks?
• Are we being an encouragement as we interact with others?
• Do we bring their needs before the Lord regularly?

These questions spur me on to have more godly thoughts toward others. How about you? Ask the Lord to help you as you serve Him in your relationships with those He brings across your path today.