Proverbs 27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow,
for you do not know what a day may bring forth.

On one level this goes without saying, but much of the time we act like it’s not true. Making plans isn’t bad, but the more we are invested in those plans, the more likely we are to be disappointed. Several places throughout the Bible touch on this, because it’s such a universal human trait. The wisest attitude is to always be looking forward to whatever God has in store. That might be easily recognizable blessings or it might be a hard lesson that will bear fruit further down the line, but when we are committed to Jesus as Lord, the end result will always be good. As Paul famously said, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) Our focus isn’t to be on what tomorrow might hold, but on our Lord who loved us so much that He gave Himself for us. When Jesus went through Gethsemane, arrest, trial, scourging, and crucifixion for us, we have absolutely no reason to be worried that His plans for us aren’t good. As I quoted in yesterday’s message, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Just because we live in a fallen world doesn’t mean that God doesn’t have good plans for us that He will bring to fruition. We aren’t to boast about tomorrow because our plans are never as good as God’s, whatever things might look like to us in the moment. We may well run into rough situations, and probably will, but the end result will be glorious. (2 Corinthians 4:17)

Yesterday’s message was on Security, and that is closely related to this verse from Proverbs. I am as prone as anyone to want to know what is going to happen, but God has told me to rest, relax, and rejoice in Him. When I am upset about how things haven’t turned out as I planned or expected, I’m not going to see the blessings God has prepared for me in the middle of whatever is going on. I have never been much of a planner, and that’s made for some real problems at times, but it does put me on the correct side of this verse, at least. I am often distressed to hear people I care about verbally being anxious about things that might happen. Jesus and Paul both said explicitly not to do that! (Luke 12:22-31, Philippians 4:6-7) Bad things do happen, as Jesus said and as I have experienced, but anticipating bad things just multiplies my suffering! As the Southern Gospel song puts it, even “death ain’t no big deal!” What God said to Jeremiah is just as true today as it was 2500 years ago: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Now that is security!

Father, thank You for what You spoke through me yesterday, and for this strong confirmation today. Help me indeed refuse all anxiety, but rather rejoice in anticipation of whatever You have planned, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!