Friday, March 8, 2013

DEBUT (Part 3 of 4) – The Future

DEBUT (Part 3 of 4) – The Future

This four part devotion focuses on the outlook Christians should maintain concerning the past, the present and the future. Part 1, posted on February 23, provided an introduction to this series and presented our primary text (Psalm 63). We looked back to the past in Part 2 (posted on March 1). Now let’s focus our view of the future.

Part 3: Anticipate the Future (We don’t Control Tomorrow)

What is your outlook on tomorrow? Are you dreading another day trapped in the grind? Are you excited about the fresh start that comes with a new day? What about six months from now? Are you anticipating blessings or overwhelmed with anxiety?

Whether your attitude about the future is based on fantasy, fear or fascination, one thing is for certain, you cannot control what will come your way. The only thing you can control about the future is the attitude you take into it.  

Worrying will drain you and doesn’t change anything (Matthew 6:34). Practical planning honors God as long as you recognize that He is in control and your plans may be all for nothing (James 4:13-16).

Ask yourself, ‘Did yesterday’s worries about tomorrow bring peace to the reality of today?

The peace we experience today is based on our trust in His guarantees for tomorrow. As Christians, we should face the future with confidence that is based on God’s sovereignty, love and goodness (Romans 8:28).

The Promise of Tomorrow (The Certainty of God’s Plan)

Psalm 63, verses 9 – 11, focus on the foretold future.

9 But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth.
  • The ultimate fate of the enemies of God and His children – Revelation 20:11-15
    • Those who reject God will face the final judgment and eternity in the lake of fire.
10 They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes.
  • Their tragic end – Luke 16:22-24
    • Tormented forever by literal fire.
11 But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.
  • The glorious future of the people who love the Lord – Revelation 21:3-4
    • For the children of God, those saved by the blood of Christ, we will spend eternity in Heaven, no pain and no tears, worshiping our Heavenly Father.
As much as we anticipate our glorious future in Heaven, we should also agonize over the fate of the lost. God has commanded us to shine as lights in this dark world. He has chosen to use us to share His truth. Though we rest in His sovereignty, shame on us when we neglect our responsibility to obey His commands and fulfill the Great Commission.

We can think of the challenges we will face during our future here on earth as the unexpected traffic jam, the flat tire, the rain storm and the crazy driver we encounter on our drive towards a weekend getaway that ends up being the best time of our life. But Heaven will be infinitely greater than we can imagine (Romans 8:18).

Prayer

Lord, I know my view of the future is a direct measure of my faith in You. Thank You for Your indwelling Spirit that comforts and reassures me in times of worry. Forgive me when I get overly anxious about what the future holds. Your Word is clear, we will have trials, we will face problems. But our trust is in You and the promises contained in Your Word. Please give me the wisdom, faith and strength to look to the future with anticipation and peace. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.