DAILY DEVOTION, October 9, 2021

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away (James 4:13-14).

James reflects on those who plan for the future without consulting with the Father. At times we are all guilty of this failure. We think that we will do X, Y, or Z tomorrow, but we do not know what tomorrow will bring. I am certain there were Afgan citizens who had some long-range plans that were suddenly canceled by the takeover of the Taliban. It’s okay to plan for the future but be sure God is at the center of your plans. None of us know what tomorrow will present to us.

James reminds us that life itself is uncertain. It is like a vapor that appears for a brief time and then vanishes away. Many of us seniors can identify with James. We look back over our years and exclaim, “where did the time go?” 85 years seemed like a long time when I was 16, but today 85 years seems like a vapor. Our earthly life is so brief. Make sure you are trusting in Jesus and including Him in your plans. Eternity follows death, and eternity is forever! In the eyes of God, we are like a puff of smoke that will soon fade away. Don’t get so entangled in this life that you neglect the life to come.

Our heavenly Father, thank You for this reminder that we are always facing an uncertain future. The one certain thing we can always count on is Your love and forgiving grace. Help me to live my life, including You in my plans. I am a vapor. You are eternal. Help me to always remember this truth, In Jesus’ name, Amen.