“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

One of the mysteries of our lives in Christ is the fact that God already knows our future, and it is a good future! There is a certain tendency that can encroach on any of our lives to be upset by things that are not going to our expectations. It could be a rough day at work when a job is lost, as is so common now during the pandemic.

For some the natural tendency is not only to worry but push mountains to get it all sorted. Our efforts to correct whatever has gone wrong is all right and, in fact, could be God’s plan to wake us out of slumber (Proverbs 6:6). Yet what we should never lose sight of is nothing comes as a surprise to God. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5, NIV). All this is to say nothing comes as a surprise to the Almighty God. This is why He has called us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, and present your request to God” (Phil 4:6).

And that includes the most mundane of things. When the Lord Jesus reminds his disciples, “Therefore I tell you do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body what you will wear. Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6: 25-27), He is simply saying, I am the Lord and in control, so chill.

So today whatever might have upset you, is making you unusually restless, perhaps has filled you with fear and worry, maybe even regrets, just rest in in the knowledge that in the scheme of things nothing comes to God as a surprise concerning even the least aspect of your life. He has promised in His word that He has a good future for you, and that should be your focus. Just, “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord. May the Lord the maker of heaven and earth bless you from Zion” (Psalms 134: 2:3-4).

Prayer for today: Lord Father in heaven, today I pray in the precious name of Jesus that I do not focus on the present situation that will pass but the good future in you and knowledge that everything is under control!