"If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." James 4:15
Many Christians employ the custom of injecting into their future plans, whether in thought, speech, or writing, the symbol "D.v.," an abbreviation for the Latin equivalent of "The Lord willing."
It is a salutary custom. By it we acknowledge that humankind proposes, God disposes. We submit ourselves to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. We confess that our times are in His hands.
The apostle James encourages the habit. We do not know what tomorrow will bring, he reminds us. For life is a vapor that appears for a moment and then vanishes. We reach the end of life with unfulfilled dreams and unfinished plans. We can pursue our goals, carry out our plans, and continue our lives only as the Lord wills.
Another day fades into God's eternity tonight. What happened to the goals we set in the new year? What do we expect tomorrow?
Few things are certain. But this we know: that we are enfolded in the everlasting arms of a gracious Father. He has fulfilled His promises. We are still His forgiven children through the grace of Jesus. If our wills have had to be reversed, we know that His good and gracious will prevailed.
PRAYER: Lord, forsake us never, according to Your Word. Make our faith strong in Christ Jesus. Amen.
(Taken from "Words of Promise," copyright 1996 (out of print), Concordia Publishing House. For information on other devotional materials, call 1-800-325-3040.)
Today's Bible Readings: Jeremiah 43-44 Hebrews 11:20-40
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