If we have learned anything over the last several months, it is that we are poor prophets regarding the future. Yet, there is a sense in which this should not have come as a surprise. Proverbs 27:1 instructed us to “not boast about tomorrow, for we do not know what a day may bring.” How true this is!
James repeated this instruction in James 4:11-16 to a haughty audience that believed they knew what was going to happen. They made plans without any regard for God’s providence or plan. They declared themselves sovereign while failing to acknowledge that there is only one true, sovereign Lord over all. Such declarations are proud and downright sinful. For, we must not boast about what we do not know. We must not declared ourselves sovereign over things that we cannot and do not control.
I cannot help but wonder how much of our frustration during this pandemic stems from our failure to heed God’s instruction on not boasting about tomorrow. It is as if we believe we are entitled to a particular rhythm or consistency. It is as though we should not be inconvenienced or slowed down in our near-endless pursuits of more. Yet, as this pandemic has revealed, we do not know what a day may bring.
God’s ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. Whatever He is up, those who have placed their trust in Jesus Christ can be certain that He is working for their good and His glory. Yet, beyond this universal reality that guides all of God’s work in the universe, we must be careful and humble about our future plans. Should we make plans? Yes, but we should remember that they are plans, not divine prerogatives. We must not boast about tomorrow. Tomorrow belongs to God, the only true sovereign Lord.
