The God Who Holds Tomorrow - Your Nightly Prayer - October 9
The God Who Holds Tomorrow
TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE
"Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that" (James 4:15).
SOMETHING TO PONDER
When my boyfriend (now husband) and I first started dating, I absolutely hated planning dates with him. Why? Because at the end of every date plan or idea, he said, "Lord willing." While I knew he was right, I found it infuriating to never feel in control of a day.
Since that moment (and many moments more), I've learned to find comfort in Scriptures like James 4:14-15: "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that" (NIV).
While we are called to work hard, plan well, and acquire wisdom, all of it should be upheld by a humble surrender to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Is this verse an excuse to never plan or get out of being responsible? Absolutely not. But it's a reminder of who is really in control at the end of every day.
Life is but a vapor. We're here today and gone tomorrow. But it's the Lord's will that dictates our future. One of the greatest mysteries of the Gospel is how we hold free will and God's omnipotence simultaneously. We are given free will to choose, but God also already knows all. Instead of allowing that to frustrate us, try seeing it differently. Drop the weight of control in the hands of He who already holds it. What does this practically look like?
Letting go of tomorrow's worries and resting in God's sovereignty has never been easy for me. As someone who suffers from high-functioning anxiety, "letting go and letting God" just isn't doable or practical. But you know what it is? Doing what I can to care for the body He's given me while also allowing Him to do what I can't. It's both and, not an either-or.
For me, this looks like going to therapy, taking medication, journaling, and practicing coping skills. But it also means memorizing Scripture, praying without ceasing, and cultivating my relationship with Jesus. I practice deep breathing, but I recite God's Word when I do. I take medication, but I also thank God for that medicine in the first place.
If you're struggling to trust the God who holds tomorrow, please know that I see you. Worries are like pesky ants that just keep coming back when you least expect them. And they aren't that easy to flick away. The good news is that God still sees you. He's in control, and we can trust Him. He's not ashamed of us, but longs for us to come to Him as we are. The question is, will you?
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Dear Jesus,
I am overwhelmed by fear and anxiety. When I think about the future, I get confused, weary, and worried. Please be with me here and provide the peace that only you can. While I want to be responsible and plan, I also want to trust your way and will over my own. I love, praise, and thank you, Jesus. Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
1. Read James chapter 4. Highlight which verses stand out to you. Then, try to memorize small pieces of the verse throughout the week. When anxious spirals take over, call to mind these Scriptures.
2. What are you most anxious about at this moment? Write these worries out on strips of paper and put them in a jar. As you seal the lid, allow yourself to set things aside for now. You can always return to them later.
3. How does knowing God is in control bring you comfort? Think about these things and share them with a friend.
Agape, Amber
Go Deeper: Help For Your Anxiety, Stress, and Worry: A Conversation with Holley Gerth
Whether you’re worried about a loved one, overwhelmed by your to-do list, or feeling the weight of the world, this conversation is an invitation to breathe deeply and remember that your faith isn’t failing — it’s growing stronger as you bring your fears to God. If you like what you hear, be sure to follow The Love Offering on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©Pexels/Jonathan Petersson
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