John Lennon once wrote, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”
England got knocked out of Euro 2016, the UK voted to leave the EU. We have a new Prime minister and a government cabinet. There have been acts of violent terror in the world including a massacre in Nice and violence possibly leading to war in South Sudan.
How are we to respond all this change, uncertainty and tragedy? It is with a sense of foreboding that we open the newspaper, turn on the TV or check our news feed. What shocking turn of events will greet us?
No matter what the pollsters, pundits, and prognosticators claim, no one can accurately predict all that is going to happen in the next year, let alone the next few days or weeks. Our best forecasts are just educated guesses. How can face such an uncertain future?
Well, first we need to get our priorities right:
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where you treasure is there your hear will be also. (Matthew 6:19-20)
Second, we need to trust God:
Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes (Matthew 6:34).
Third, we need to set goals according to God’s direction--It’s foolish to make plans without first consulting God.
I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for . . . You will seek me, and you will find me because you will seek me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:11,13).