What About Those Plans!

Time seems to be passing so fast, that I am probably not the only one who wonders if they are going to accomplish the things on their “to-do”list. The colloquial expression comes to mind, “if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans”. Proverbs 16:9 says it this way:

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.

A friend of mind posed a question that she heard a preacher state, “Have you ever asked God what He would like you to do this year“? It didn’t take me long to realize that this was not what I usually do when making plans for the new year, and then I asked myself, “why not”? Only God knows the end from the beginning, so while making all the great and glorious plans, do we consider that unexpected things may arise to hinder them?

Jesus had this to say about looking ahead:

“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34 (AMP)

A Cornell University study taken in 2024 found that 85% of the things people worry about never come to pass, and of the 15% that does, 79% of the people find that the challenge is easier than what they anticipated.

Now you might say, how did the worry factor come in to making plans for the new year? Precisely because of the things we plan for, they are usually things beyond our immediate grasp. While there are some very conscientious people in the world who plan everything considering their budget, their time, and their circumstances, the majority of us make plans with a wish and a hope. We want to go on luxurious vacations with no savings, buy major purchases beyond our means – you get the idea. Yet, even realistic goals may be met with facing unexpected challenges – be they health challenges, lay-offs, family emergencies, etc.

As I thought on all these things, it made me realize that I might save myself a little anxiety, and a whole lot of stress, if I went before the Lord in prayer, and asked Him, what would you have me to do this year?

Maria