Future Plans

O. T. 1396  "Future Plans" 
Feb. 27, 2019 
Psalm 138
The LORD will work out His plans for my life...  Psalm 138:8a

LET IT GLOW

What plans do you have for this year? For the next 5 or even 10 years? Are you making plans for retirement? Seek God's plans first, then they will work out and be fulfilling. We made plans for this year, but God seems to be changing some of them. So now we are watching Him and are open to changing them. It will be interesting in the direction that God directs us.

Life Application Study Bible says the theme of this psalm is thanksgiving for answered prayer. God works out His plans for our lives and will bring us through the difficulties we face.

Our God gives spiritual and material blessings, and answered prayers to us. so we should give Him thanks for those things and praise Him for Who He is. As we read this small chapter, we are reminded of what God gives:

• love and truth, unfailing loving and faithfulness (verse 2)
• His promises (verse 2)
• answered prayers and strength (verse 3)
• protection (verse 7)
• works out His plans for my life (verse 8).

God's faithful love endures forever, according to verse 8b. Let us not take for granted His love, provisions, and answered prayers. Will you join me right now and thank God for something right now?
His glory is very great. Let us give Him glory throughout our day.

LET IT GROW

What is David telling us to do in this psalm?

• Give thanks to God with my whole heart. (verse 1a)
• Sing His praises. (verse 1b)
• Bow before Him in worship. (verse 2a)
• Praise the name of Jesus. (verse 2b)
• Pray. (verse 3)
• Share God's Word, even with kings. (verse 4)
• Sing about the Lord's ways. (verse 5)
• Be humble. (verse 6)
• When surrounded by troubles, trust God's protection from my enemies. (verse 7)
• Believe that God is working out His plans for our life; place my hope in Him. (verse 8a)
• Trust Him to not abandon us, for He made us. (verse 8b)  

Oh, this is good, so I must share what Life Application Study Bible has to say about verse 8:

Every person dreams and makes plans for the future. Then they work hard to see those dreams and plans come true. But to make the most of life, we must align our plans with God's plan. He alone knows what is best for us; He alone can fulfill His purpose for us. As you make plans and dream dreams, talk with God about them.

Will we ask God to direct our dreams and plans for our future?

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)


LET IT GO 

Seek God's plans for my future.
Follow Him day by day.
Trust His Word and leading.
Give Him thanks and sing His praises.
Pray.