Can You Smile at the Future?

By Jayme Hull—

Spring has arrived. Everyone is getting prepared for final exams, graduations, weddings and outdoor activities with family and friends.

When you need to plan for the future do you get an anxious feeling deep in the pit of your gut?

Do you worry about preparing for future events? Can you smile at the future?

When I am faced with the uncertainty of the future I must remind myself constantly of the truth I have found in Scripture. Did you know that God gives us guidance, encouragement and promises in His Word about the future? Read the following verses and ask God to open your eyes to see and understand His message of hope:

Psalm 31:15 and 33:1-4 and 84:4-5

Jeremiah 29:11 and 31:17

How can we have confidence and joy as we look forward to the future? God has given to us many strong messages in the Bible to help answer our questions:

• Proverbs 8:32-34
• John 15:9-11
• Psalm 97:11-12

Let’s take a look into the future with a mathematical exercise:

What if God allows you a lifespan of 80 years (29,200 days) how many days would you have left on this earth? To find the answer just take your current age and multiply it by 365 days. Once you have the answer you will need to subtract your number from 29,200 days. What is your final number representing the days left until you are 80 years old?

When I first did this exercise in one of my devotionals I had a huge Aha Moment! I decided it is time to take a deep breath and ask myself some real questions and give the real answers.

What will I do with the amount of days I have left on the earth?

Every Christian is encouraged to live for the Lord and do things that count for eternity.

The Lord tells us to ask in prayer “Teach us to number our days that we may be able to present a heart of wisdom!” (Psalm 90:12) Wisdom comes from reading and applying the Word of God into our daily lifestyle. We are encouraged by the Scriptures in Isaiah 41:10 “ I will strengthen you. I will uphold you. I will help you.” Now that makes me jump and shout for joy!!! How about you?

Do you have God’s wisdom or the world’s wisdom? Now is the time to know what you believe and why. “Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2 NIV)

As you boldly stand on your identity in Christ, your faith will shine in a dark world. Your confidence and wisdom from studying the Word of God will be a blessing to others as you share, witness, mentor and pray for them one by one and day by day.

“To recall our past is to promote sadness very often, or self-pity, to recall the Lord’s past prompts confident prayer.” D.A.Carson

With Christ as your Savior and strong foundation, you can face the future with a smile because you’re confident in the Word of God and in the promises He has given to us. Join me and let’s start right now making our days count for the Kingdom of God.

Originally posted on My Purpose Now.