Concerning the Future

I’m at a place in my life where I often think about the future. I know that’s a good thing...most of the time, but it can also be a distraction from what the Lord is trying to work into my hard heart now. I catch myself daydreaming, wondering, asking what God’s will is for me—meaning, what He’s got planned for me in the future—instead of focusing on what He wants me doing now. Such foolishness! Getting ahead of the Lord, trying to guess His gifts before they’re finished and wrapped, trying to make decisions that haven’t even come up in my life yet! “What should I do if...” “What should I say if...” “I just can’t handle it if...” I should be seeking what the Lord wants me doing now—today. His will isn’t some mystical feeling in the pit of my stomache. It’s not a voice whispering in the back of my mind. It’s not revealed through visions and premonitions. He doesn’t lead through impulses, or even through the well-plotted schemes of people. He leads through my obedience to His known will—as laid out in His word.

As I’ve been studying His word, seeking His will, and looking back at my own life, I’ve been convicted, encouraged and comforted with His ways.

He’s always got it under control...and He’ll lead me across every bridge that we come to.

I gaze at the future and try to decide
A question that’s not yet been posed.
Between here and there stands a powerful door
That may be left open—or closed.

The light I have now leaves my choices too dim.
I worry, I fret—and I pray.
The question unanswered is unanswered still,
But it begs not my answer today.

I focus on Jesus. The future grows pale.
He points me to look at my past.
I know there’s a question that waits undefined—
But I won’t seek an answer ‘til asked.