[Wisdom of Solomon] Five Cups of Tea With Momናሙና

Laughing At The Times To Come

How great would it be to know the outcome of that big decision you have coming up? Believe it or not, no one can tell you about your future except God. Though many will try, they will come up short. We may think that foreknowledge would bring us peace of mind, but it won’t. It is false security. God doesn’t tell you what’s coming; He reminds you that whatever is coming, He is there with you, and that’s enough. The first teacup Mom shared with her son Lemuel represents the wise person. That person is secure, not due to knowledge of the future, but rather knowledge of the one who is in control of it. There is nothing wrong with making plans for the future, but we also give our plans to God and trust that whatever happens is what is best for us. We face the future without fear. We do not worry about the future, or stress about it, because we know Jesus has His hands around us; He is sustaining and holding our world together.

There are so many things moms worry about: kids, family, work, what to wear, what to eat, bills. We all know we have many things to think about. However, abiding in God allows us to live in peace no matter what comes, because we know God is on the throne. Imagine being joyful and able to laugh on the outside, because your heart is secure on the inside. This isn’t fake, feigned, or fabricated joy and laughter. Instead, if you are anchored in the Lord’s power, in the Lord’s care, joy and laughter come naturally. This comes from sitting with the Lord, knowing His Word, and seeking Him and His kingdom first while trusting that He is taking care of our needs before we even ask. Then the truth that He is living inside you, dwelling with you, that you are hidden in Christ, will start to overflow and be evident to all those around you, no matter what trials or sufferings you face in life.

Your security does not come from others, from accolades or what people think of you, but rather from your identity in the Lord. Knowing the future won’t make you more resilient today. The heroes of Christianity were not people anchored in money or popular opinion but rather people who lived and breathed prayer and the Word. Their spiritual life was their means of knowing God. They knew—and we, likewise, should learn—that only God knows the future.

Thought for today: What is your anchor? Is it God? Do you find yourself stressed or worrying? Start to live life knowing God is in control. He has you and always will.