Theme of the Week: Setting Family Rhythms
Bible Verse: “Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:15
Scripture Reading: James 4:13-17
“I don’t know; let’s see what happens.” It’s one of my favorite ways to approach things (and my wife’s least favorite). There’s a sense of mystery and adventure in approaching a task with an open mind and an undefined tactic. I say favorite, but that doesn’t mean best. The reality is that doing that opens the door pretty wide for things to go . . . let’s call it “askew.”
As much as I like to rely on my overall know-how, and I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in that, having a plan is just a better approach. Plans minimize the possibility of things going sideways.
When it comes to setting and establishing a rhythm for you and your family, a plan can go a long way. A plan can help you keep the first things first (see yesterday), and it can help you adjust when things get tangled (more on that tomorrow). But there is one thing that must be first in the plan, a recognition that God is in control.
James seems to have some strong warnings against making a plan. That planning is arrogant and hard-headed. But we need to read carefully what James is actually saying. James doesn’t say a plan is bad. In fact, he says that we should plan, that looking to the future with a goal or a direction in mind is a good thing.
His warning is that we need to make sure that in that plan, we acknowledge the place of God—“If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” Our plan starts with accepting the fact that God is in control and so we willingly subject our plans to him.
Setting a plan is a good thing. It helps us avoid unnecessary problems and keeps us focused on our goals. It helps us keep the timing for the rhythms of our family’s and our life’s music. Make your plans, and set them before God.
Prayer: Father in heaven, you know how easily I get caught up in my own plans and desires. Forgive me for the times I may leave you out. Help me to make plans that honor you and have a place for you.
Reflection: Each morning for the rest of this week, pray and ask God to help you make a plan for the day so that you can accomplish your tasks.
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