Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Proverbs 19:21: You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.

(New Living Translation)

I am sitting here this morning with my coffee and a pen and paper.  I’m making a list!  I love a list.  Sometimes I will have more than one list going at the same time.  I have a grocery list, a packing list for vacation, and a list of what I need to do before we go on vacation.  I love the control I feel by knowing what needs to be done now and what needs to be done next.  I especially love checking things off my list.  It makes me feel as if I’m accomplished great things, and there are days that I need to know I’ve at least accomplished something, even a small thing would be good!  Sometimes I will put something on my list that I have already done just so I can check it off!  Lists make me feel accomplished. Lists make me feel in control.  Lists let me know that I’m doing things right.  The Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17-27) also loved lists.  He loved to have a list, and he loved to show people how he had checked off the things on the list.  He said that he had kept all the commandments, and I believe him because You didn’t call him on it.  He probably had the list in his pocket ready to show everyone how many items he had checked.  Lord, You were trying to show him that obedience to the commandments would not give him eternal life, that only comes through a personal relationship with You.  And a personal relationship with You means spending time with You.  You try to show me that too.  A list makes me feel in control of the situation, but You are in control of all that was, that is, and that is to come.  I like knowing what’s happening now and what will be happening in the future, but Lord, You tell me that worry (or planning or even making a detailed list ) won’t add a single day to my life.  I have the opportunity to accomplish great things today – not by working at worldly things that I can check off of a list but by sitting at the feet of the One who created all things and listening to His plans for my day.  Your word tells me in Jeremiah 29 that You know the plans You have for me.  In Proverbs 19, You tell me that I can make plans, but Your will prevails.  Lord, I know that following a plan isn’t a bad thing but listening to You and following Your plan is so much better.