People “devise many plans” for one simple
reason—control.
We want a sense of control over our lives and destinies.
For instance, some of us try to plan ahead for
every possible contingency;
scheming for the myriad of potential events that could be put into
motion,
all hanging delicately on our next action. This person’s motto may be,
“Plan for everything, and you’ll be ready for anything.”
But who has the mind of ADONAI,
that every unexpected variable
may be accounted for? Making well-thought-out plans for the future
is responsible, but being petrified to make a move because you are
not sure you have all the bases covered yet, shows little faith.
On the other hand, some are brave enough to go
ahead with their plans,
but worry and fret constantly that the
worst-case scenario is inevitable.
This can also be paralyzing, having
an equivalent effect of the one
who can’t move forward without knowing
beyond doubt that he
is making the right decision. Of course, there are
others that are
both Master Planners and Major Worriers at the same
time—
afraid to move ahead, terrified to stay still.
In any case, faith
is lacking, because the plans are self-devised.
Then there is The Procrastinator.
Yes, putting
off making any plans is a plan in and of itself!
This person’s motto may be, “Ignorance is bliss,” and
the more he
pretends his reality does not exist,
the happier and more contented he
is—
until reality hits. That is when he tries his hand
at planning and
worrying and
remembers
why he started procrastinating in the first place.
Whether we plan like mad, worry ourselves sick,
or ignore our realities,
we are attempting to exert a sense of control over what we think
are our uncontrollable lives. But when we come to the end
of ourselves
and find no peace
with our lives,
perhaps then we will remember, “ADONAI’s
plan will prevail.”
For all our planning, worrying, or procrastinating, in the end,
it is ADONAI’s plan that
will succeed.
If we trust in Him, and put aside our concerns and fears,
we will be able to clearly hear his voice
telling us how he is planning
to go,
and then all we will have to do is tag along….
P R A Y E R
Abba, Father, give me peace in my heart and
mind,
and teach me that
the only kind of control to seek is self-control—
to keep myself from
worry and fear,
but instead to trust in you, and know that
you will lead me safely
to my destiny.
I praise you, ADONAI,
for all your plans will prevail.
Show me your ways, O God, that I may follow you all of my days
in
perfect peace,
knowing that even when I can’t see,
you are leading me every step of the
way…
