James 4:13-5:6

Be Still:  Jesus, open my eyes to see you rightly today. As I spend time with you, would you transform my heart and mind. Come and have your way. Amen

Read: James 4:13-5:6

'Instead, you ought to say, If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’ (v15)

Encounter: There are two kinds of people when it comes to holidays. My big sister is a planner. She likes minute by minute schedules, extensive background research, and a brisk walk to arrive early at every activity. I, on the other hand, am a 'go where the wind takes us and hope for the best' kind of girl. You can imagine how that worked out on our trip to Rome last year… (Apparently a spontaneous ice cream is not a good enough reason to be late for a tour of the Vatican, yawn).

Whilst I can’t relate to meticulously mapping out holidays, I do know that deep desire to have a plan for your life, and the panic that comes when it doesn’t quite fit into place.

We’re desperate to know what’s around the corner, to prepare for all eventualities. It gives us some sense of control, a grip on the steering wheel. But as James says, we do not know what will happen tomorrow, and even a small change in the direction of our lives can suddenly make us face the uncomfortable reality that we have no control at all.

Thankfully, there is One who is seated on the throne who has ultimate control. He knows the plans for our lives and is able to order and direct our steps. We need only get out of the driver's seat and hand over the keys. Letting his perfect and pleasing will shape the plans for our lives.

Apply:  Meditate on this proverb; let its truth sink into your heart today:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding

in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

Devote: Lord, thank you that your ways are higher than mine. Help me to not fear for the future, but to trust it into your hands.