This morning I was reading James chapter four and this exhortation not to boast about our future stood out to me. James is not condemning making wise plans, but rather the way people simply live their lives, making plans and going here or there as if God does not even exist. A believer cannot live in such a way that his plans leave God out. Instead, the life and plans of a believer must be consumed with God and following after the path He is setting down before our feet, for He alone knows the future.

Five years ago I never would have thought that many things–where we live, friendships, employment or family situations– would be the way they are today. And yet I am learning that as the Lord wills, so life happens. I enjoy life much more residing contently in and diligently following God’s plans than trying to get my own agenda to happen only to realize that the world revolves around God, not me. One factor that has caused me to consider the future is the reality of change. My summer is coming to an end and I will soon be back to my nine to five days in the office. The high school students will be going back to school which greatly changes Bobby’s average work day. Some of our friends are moving from our area before the month is over, while Bobby’s family is moving to California this week. Looking at the more distant future, I realized that our baby is due six months from today. Change is all around, and this verse showed a weakness we have amidst the changes of life. We make plans to try to get some kind of handle on our circumstances by thinking we’re having a say in the changes we experience.

Our circumstances and situations in life are always changing. But more important is the spiritual change that should be happening inside of us. It would be so sad to look back on five or ten years of life and say, “I haven’t changed at all.” We should always be growing more obedient, surrendered, joyful, loving, sanctified and content in the Lord. Not only should we say,“If the Lord wills,” for our external plans, but also for our inward desires and thoughts. Each day we must be seeking the Lord and drawing as near to Him as we can. Life shouldn’t be consumed with career, family or hobbies. The pursuit of life must be Christ’s command in Matthew 6:33