are Your thoughts to me ….

As I look back over my journey with the Lord, I can see how consistently He has led me back to one place for answers, for direction, for comfort — His Word. I remember hearing a great evangelist from England say it this way: “If you want to hear from God, read your Bible. If you want to hear from God audibly, read your Bible out loud.” There is something about speaking His Word that settles the heart and steadies the soul.

Years ago, when I was still early in my walk with Him, someone close to me was facing a very difficult situation. A pregnancy that should have been filled with simple joy was suddenly overshadowed by concerning test results. This was a family of deep faith, but the news shook them. The uncertainty felt heavy.

The morning after hearing the update, I got up to pray before going to work with him. As I prayed, the Lord led me to a familiar passage of Scripture — Psalm 139. I couldn’t shake it. After praying, I walked into the garage and noticed a small bucket. I picked it up, got in my car, and on my way to meet them, I stopped at the beach just a block from our home. I scooped that bucket full of sand — filled it to the brim — and carried it with me.

When I arrived, I greeted them at the door, walked inside, and placed that bucket of sand on their kitchen counter. Then together, the three of us read aloud:

Psalm 139:13–14

“For You formed my inward parts;

You covered me in my mother’s womb.

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Marvelous are Your works,

And that my soul knows very well.”

And then we read:

Psalm 139:17–18

“How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!

How great is the sum of them!

If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;

When I awake, I am still with You.”

We stood there looking at that bucket. Every grain represented a thought — His thoughts. Not anxious thoughts. Not uncertain thoughts. But precious thoughts. Intentional thoughts. Loving thoughts. Thoughts toward that child being knit together in the womb by the hands of God Himself.

In that moment, faith replaced fear. Not because we knew the outcome. But because we knew the Author. We were reminded that this baby was not a medical report. This child was formed by God. Seen by God. Known by God. And held by God.

And the truth remains for us today.

His thoughts toward you are more numerous than the sand. More than the grains in a bucket. More than the grains on every shoreline in the world. When you wake up tomorrow morning — as the psalm says — you are still with Him. He has not left. He has not forgotten. He is not distant.

You are seen.

You are known.

You are formed by His hand.

And you are held in His righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

“Fear not, for I am with you;

Be not dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you,

Yes, I will help you,

I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

So when life feels overwhelming… when the news shakes you… when uncertainty tries to steal your peace… picture that bucket of sand. Let it remind you that His thoughts toward you are precious and beyond counting.

And today, you can walk forward with hope and strength, trusting the One whose thoughts for you are greater than you could ever imagine.