Psalm 37:23 – The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delights in his way. (NKJV)

Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (NKJV)

Many days since elementary school, I have battled depression. Even as an adult Christian, the Spirit of God constantly has to remind me that my life matters. One day when I was feeling particularly blue, the Lord gave me an illustration of how the most intriguing specialty paper starts out as a messy, wet clump of mismatched bits of paper. Various items such as seeds, twigs, yarn, and tinfoil are blended into a scary-looking pulp that resembles something one wants to toss quickly and gingerly into the trash. In the final process, though, the pulp is pressed smooth and flat, and is dried thoroughly for admiration and writing.

Sometimes our lives mirror this process and the pulpy mess. A typical day can easily consist of various happenings, such as a grandchild's sweet, toothless grin; misunderstandings with a family member, followed by a time of weeping; an encounter with sharp-tempered co-workers; an unexpected hug from an unaffectionate child; receipt of a long-awaited package in the mail; and mind-numbing housework. When we face a long series of days with more challenges and mundane tasks than delights, it is easy to wonder whether there truly is a point.

Considering that God has ordered our steps, I can imagine Him neatly laying out our "pulpy mess", pressing it firmly between heaven and earth, and drying out our "page of life." Then, He permanently writes directly from His heart a specific message of hope, peace, and blessed purposefulness concerning our valuable existence. Upon completion, each page is added to our living storybook to be referenced by us and others. Our book is ultimately added to the holy saga of Himself and all His holy servants. This is truly a magnificent work of pure beauty!

Prayer: Father God, we desperately need to feel Your love and acceptance as we manoeuvre through this often difficult and sometimes seemingly pointless life. Our hearts need to know that each and every day of our lives is necessary and precious. Please continue to remind us of our eternal worth and the wonderful plans You have for us on earth and in heaven. Thy will be done! Amen.

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