We are planners. Westerners, I mean. Aren’t we wired by our culture to have a plan, stock our calendars with appointments, and respond to greetings with just how incredibly busy we are?
We (Westerners) are driven from a young age to think about (plan) what we want to do when we grow up. We are groomed as children to plot a course for becoming who we want to be. As parents, we bathe our children in a belief that they can be whatever and whoever they want to be. “Just keep pursuing your dreams.”
“Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.”
Psalms 40:5 NIV
It’s no wonder we have generations of young people who live on their phones, and are managed by apps. Spreadsheets and budgets. Calendars, alarms and timers. We plot, and set goals, work hard, play hard, and sleep in between. Or drink massive amounts of caffeine and sugar to make up for a lack of rest.
And yet, our very breath is borrowed. Our hearts beat at the command of the one who created it. In a second our plans can be undone. In a flash, our lives may become detoured on a path never desired or imagined. What would happen to generations of people if our cell phones turned off, cell towers went down, and apps were no longer accessible?
Have we done a good job of teaching that God is above all, in all and Creator of all? Have we helped our youngest children to understand that our lives are a gift, and that our breath is borrowed?
This isn’t meant to be a ‘Debbie-Downer’ of a message. It’s meant to remind myself and you, dear Reader, that we aren’t ultimately in charge of our days. It is a reminder that though God has given us free will, and as much autonomy as we like, He is Sovereign over all of creation.
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
Because our God is a God of order and self-control and discipline, it is good for us to plan and be organized. It is good to budget and set goals. It is good to be thinking and praying and preparing for how to live a useful and fruitful life. But to do all of the above with the goal of bringing glory to His name.
It is better yet to submit all our plans and ideas before the Great King, and ask for His favor. It is freeing and joyful to live flexible to His plans. It is best to pray, “Thy will be done!”
Will you pray with me?
Help me, Lord, to trust in You with all my heart, my plans, and priorities, and lean not on my own understanding. Help me to submit all my ways to You and know that You will make Your path straight for me.
Thank You, Jesus, for every breath, and every beat of my heart. Thank You for the gift of life, which You have sovereignly given to me. May I steward Your generosity well. May I glorify You with my life, my actions, my words, and the intentions of my will.
In Your name Jesus, I submit myself to You. I am loving You, with my eyes on You, and wanting to shine Your radiance into a dark world,
Lisa
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