Love Reigns:

In our fast-paced world, it's all too easy to become consumed by worry about what lies ahead. We often find ourselves desperately seeking answers, much like shaking a Magic 8 Ball toy, hoping for clarity about our future. But what if there was a better way to approach the unknown? What if we could trade our anxiety for trust, our fear for faith, and our worry for peace?

The truth is, our obsession with the future can quickly spiral into an unhealthy preoccupation. Worry, that all-consuming thief of time and energy, steals our focus and drains our spirits. We fret about finances, family, careers, health, and countless other aspects of life. Yet, all this worrying doesn't improve our situations one bit. It's a fruitless endeavor that leaves us feeling helpless and overwhelmed.

But there is hope. The antidote to this worry sickness is found in trusting God's love and allowing it to reign over our lives. Jesus himself addressed this struggle with the future in Matthew 6:25-26:

"That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are?"

This passage reminds us of a profound truth: God sees us. He values us immensely, even more than the birds He faithfully provides for. If He cares for simple creatures, how much more does He desire to care for us—the ones for whom He gave His Son?

When we allow God's love to reign over our future, we place our lives in the most capable hands possible. It's about relinquishing our need for control and recognizing that true peace comes from submitting to God's lordship. We must learn to trade what we don't know about the future for what we do know about God's love for us.

This shift in perspective is beautifully captured in 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." God has a preferred future for each of us, and He longs for us to live into it. We experience this future when we begin to let go of trying to control everything and instead follow Jesus' lead.

But how can we discern whether opportunities align with God's plan? Here are three simple questions to consider:

1. Does this opportunity align with scripture?
2. Will this opportunity make me more like Jesus?
3. Will this opportunity benefit others?

These questions help us focus on what truly matters—living out our God-given purpose. As Mark Twain wisely noted, the two most important days of your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why. Our future is intrinsically tied to our purpose, which is, in turn, connected to God's grand plan.

Jesus provides further guidance on aligning our future with God's will in Matthew 6:33: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." This verse emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God and His kingdom above all else. When we do this, everything else falls into place.

To illustrate this principle, imagine filling a jar with stones and pebbles. If you start with the pebbles (representing the small, less important things in life), you'll struggle to fit in the larger stones (representing the most important priorities). However, if you begin with the stones and then add the pebbles, everything fits perfectly. Similarly, when we prioritize seeking God's kingdom, all other aspects of life find their proper place.

As we consider our future, it's crucial to remember the finite nature of our time on earth. Psalm 90:12 implores, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." This verse encourages us to use our time wisely, recognizing its precious value.

Consider how we typically spend our days: sleeping, working, consuming media, and socializing. When we subtract these activities, we're left with a surprisingly small amount of time for other pursuits. This realization should prompt us to evaluate whether we're investing our time, energy, attention, and affection in the most important areas of life.

Ultimately, our primary purpose should be to ensure that as many people as possible experience God's love. It's been said that in 100 years, the only thing that will matter is people's relationship with God. This perspective should shape how we approach our future and use the time we've been given.

As we reflect on these truths, let's challenge ourselves to release our worries about the future into God's capable hands. Instead of anxiously trying to predict or control what's to come, let's focus on seeking His kingdom first and trusting in His unfailing love.

Take a moment to pray: "Jesus, I trust you. I want your love to reign over my past, present, and future. Your kingdom come, your will be done in my heart as it is in heaven."

By allowing God's love to reign over our future, we open ourselves to a life of purpose, peace, and profound trust in His perfect plan. Let's embrace this journey together, one day at a time, confident in the knowledge that our future is secure in His loving hands.