Recently we commemorated 25 years since the September 11 attacks. Like many of you, I can still remember when my colleague at work called me to watch the TV right away. That one day reminds us how quickly an ordinary day can turn into something unexpected. People went to their office buildings, boarded airplanes, made plans for the week ahead, without knowing what tomorrow would bring.
James’ solemn warning is worth considering here:
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. (Jam 4:14)
Clearly, James is not saying that we are not to make plans for tomorrow. As is his custom, he’s after the heart behind the planner. His concern is our tendency to think that our plans are guaranteed to happen tomorrow. He aims at where our confidence tends to lie—what we will do, where we will go, what ChatGPT tells us—while forgetting that our lives are ultimately in God’s hands.
James exhorts us that our mindset should be, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” (Jam 4:15). Yes, do plan ahead, but plan with open hands, recognizing God’s rule and reign over our lives.
This also changes how we face difficult seasons. James tells us to be patient “until the Lord’s coming” (Jam 5:7), using the example of farmers waiting for their harvest. We are called for spiritual endurance.
Tomorrow is not for us to control, but we can faithfully live today, trusting the One who holds it.
Reflection
- What areas in your life are you assuming control, rather than entrusting them to God?
- What does it mean to be patient in your life today?
This devotion is sent weekly to staff during school terms. It has been lightly edited for a general audience.
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