Boasting in God's Plans
Hey students! I hope you are well and that you are intentionally giving praise to God in the circumstances you find yourself in today. One of the things that is difficult in our current situation with the Corona Virus is that it has caused us to lose certainty in our plans. There are a host of activities planned in the coming months that at this time are kind of up in the air. Even now as I am working, I find it difficult to plan for the weeks ahead because there is little certainty of my plans actually being carried out.
I am sure you are wrestling through this as well: whether you are a Senior who is planning to graduate in a few short months or an 7th grader who is looking forward to summer vacation beginning. Right now, it seems like there is little certainty as to how and when these things will occur, and this can cause us to react in a few different ways.
On one hand, some of us are not concerned and are just going with the flow. We are trusting that those in charge will make the right decisions…it’s not up to us so why worry about it?
On the other hand, our response can drive us to want to make plans and to be given the control back of our schedules and future. Situations like this remind us (both those who are not worried and those who are anxious and desire answers) that man’s power and wisdom are limited. It is in times of uncertainty where we are faced with the opportunity to make our boast in our plans or to boast in God’s. In the text below, King David was in the midst of a circumstance that exposed his limited power and wisdom. Instead of being given into anxiety or anger, he intentionally seeks to make his boast in God.
Psalm 34:2 “My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.”
The word “boast” means to cheer or to brag on. When our plans are changed, or our circumstances are uncertain it requires humility for us to brag on the purposes of God and His goodness EVEN if we are uncertain of the outcome. Those who rightly view self in light of God will face situations with humility and gladness because their boast and trust are in the Lord not in man.
Today, I want to encourage you to brag on and confess the greatness of God and His plans even in the midst of our uncertainty about the future. Am I going to graduate in May? Will we be able to have the Spring Retreat? When can I go to the movies next? All these questions are up in the air but instead of growing frustrated…lets boast in God and His plans!
1. Be intentional to think of others! There are many people who are worried about the affects this virus is having. Take the time to intentionally pray for someone else and text them to let them know you are thinking of them and praying for them.
2. Be intentional to boast about God! I want to encourage you to be mindful of God’s goodness and kindness to you in the past. Write down 1-2 ways God has provided for your family in the past and boast in Him!