Wanting to know the future.

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People frequently use Jeremiah 29:11 as a verse for comforting people.  That’s the one where God says He knows the plans He has for us, plans that give us a hope and a future.  I have a confession to make.  I don’t find that verse very comforting.  There is no guarantee that this promise for the people of Israel is also for me. I am also not comforted because frequently God does not choose to tell me His plans.  If He knows the plans He has for me then why doesn’t He fill me in? Why does He keep these plans a secret from me?

I know that sometimes God chooses to share parts of His plan with us, but rarely are the when, where, what, how and why fully revealed.  I’m not really a very good planner myself so it would help to know the plans God has so I could know what to do.

I look at the boy in this picture and I wonder is that what I look like to God? He just looks a little confused.  He is sitting there calmly unaware of the bit of dirt on his face in the middle of a field that appears to extend forever, and he seems to be thinking, “huh?”

Which way do I go Lord? There are so many different directions I could choose to go.

God knows us quite well.  He knows that if He gives us too much information we will misuse it.   Knowing the exactness of our future puts our focus on all the wrong things.  It is in our best interest not to know.

Christ gives us a very clear directive,

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.“
Matthew 6: 33-34 English Standard Version

Keep your focus on God and He will tell you His plans exactly when you need to know them.

Photo copyright Doug Brauner
Text copyright Richelle Hecker