We live in a world prescribed by arbitrary milestones and measurements.

• Marry your soul mate out of college.
• Own a home.
• Have children in your twenties and thirties.  
• Work in a profession that is monetarily rewarding.
• Retire wealthy and enjoy your grandchildren in your fifties.
• Live happily ever after well into your seventies.

Success and (supposed) happiness in the world’s eyes are roughly based upon reaching these aspirations. 

Therefore, if we assess our life according to these guidelines, our days have passed.  If we believe that being “normal” is lining up with the world’s view of where we “should” be, we will never be content.  If we determine our happiness is based upon receiving what we ask for on our timeline, we will never experience true happiness. 

Furthermore, if we strive to live by and desire what the world dictates, we will probably miss out on the amazing, unfathomable and (humanly) unpredictable things of God.

Don’t live your life in what “could have been,” feeling as if your days have passed, live expecting the unforeseen by a God who knows you, loves you and created you.  Allow Him to handle the logistics of time and place in your life.

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days (Psalm 90:14).

My plans are [not] shattered

Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails (Proverbs 19:21).

This frequently quoted passage attests to the Lord’s omnipotence, although it is perhaps cited more often as consolation after one's hopes and plans go astray. 

My tendency to have many plans not only disappoints from having them unrealized, but also a risk of focusing on my desires and my timetable rather than seeking the Lord’s.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed (Proverbs 16:3).

To commit means to put in charge or entrust.  I find it easy to include the Lord in my everyday life, but more difficult to completely hand it over to him and not worry.  Unless your plans are committed to and aligned with the Lord, they will not succeed to the extent they could with the Lord’s blessing. 

Have you committed whatever you do to the Lord?  Have you sought after the Lord’s direction and purpose for your life?  Have you heard his voice and accepted His ways?

The frequent attacks by the world telling us we need to take control of our lives and live by the world’s agenda are only the plans of the enemy to make us feel dissatisfied.  Commit whatever and everything you do to the Lord and he will satisfy your needs.