Why Plan?

There are a lot of times during my devotions that I end up reading a good amount and nothing stands out, but for the past couple of days, that has not been that case. We are in a very interesting season with this virus, and for me personally I’m leading through times of uncharted territory to say the least. I started reading Proverbs 27 and immediately this resonated with me.

Proverbs 27:1 (TPT)

“Never brag about the plans you have for tomorrow, for you don’t have a clue what tomorrow may bring to you.”

For us at Watermarks, out of any season in the past 15 years, we had great plans about this upcoming season. We have been preparing for months, since late September 2019, and literally overnight all of our plans went out the door. As a leader, I was a little deflated to say the least. It’s one thing to lose your plans, but to now have to come up with new ones on the fly in a situation that’s changing every day is exponentially worse.

This verse gave me a great reminder of the season we’re in and the God we serve. We have no clue about what’s ahead, what’s next, but we trust God to continue to lead us step by step. We don’t let worry or fear take over in unsettling times.

So why plan if we have no clue about what’s coming? Great question, I asked the same one! I’m glad this Proverb doesn’t end at verse 1.

Proverbs 27:12 (TPT)

“A wise, shrewd person discerns the danger ahead and prepares himself, but the naïve simpleton never looks ahead and suffers the consequences.”

Proverbs 27:25-27 (TPT)

“Take care of your responsibilities and be diligent in your business and you will have more than enough— an abundance of food, clothing, and plenty for your household.”

We are to discern the future and prepare ourselves, look ahead to what’s next, but be ok with it not going the way we thought. If we continue to be diligent and take care of our responsibilities, we’ll have more than enough! What a great promise in the midst of this crazy season.

What do I do in the meantime of this season?

Proverbs 27:25-27 (TPT)

“Sweet friendships refresh the soul and awaken our hearts with joy, for good friends are like the anointing oil that yields the fragrant incense of God’s presence.”

In this season with a lot of people stuck at home, not working, or in hard times, community is key. Put the amount of time that you usually spend working, worrying and planning and invest that into vision for your relationships with God, marriage, family, friends, church, and community. Reach out to people in any safe way possible, leverage technology to stay connected.

I also think this verse is just humorous but great advice to not upset your neighborhoods in this season.

Proverbs 27:14 (TPT)

“Do you think you’re blessing your neighbors when you sing at the top of your lungs early in the morning? Don’t be fooled—they’ll curse you for doing it!

Being a good neighbor in this season is more important now more than ever. Check in with them, take care of your people and we’ll come out stronger on the other end of this.

We’re with you and for you in this season!