Today's Verse: James 4:15

Saturday, June 15, 1957

Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."
— James 4:15
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

While I like to have choices and must be responsible for my own decisions, I am genuinely thankful that the Lord allows me to submit my life to his will and entrust my future to him. The Father is at work in me to do his will (Philippians 2:13) and to work for my best good (Romans 8:28). So, I gladly acknowledge that my plans are subject to his will. I appreciate that my goals and successes are in the Lord's hands. I have also found that what I often wanted in the immediate moment wasn't the right decision. Pausing and seeking the Lord's will has saved me from many impulsive or selfish decisions with undesired consequences. I gladly proclaim that what lies ahead for me can be summarized by one phrase I joyfully accept: "If the Lord wills!"

My Prayer...

Thank you, Abba Father, that my life and my future are in your hands. Forgive me for the times that my plans are too full of myself or not consciously dependent upon you. Thank you for rescuing me from the messes I have made because of my failed plans built around my own foolish arrogance and selfishness. Dear Father, I gladly place my plans, my life, and my future in submission to your will. In Jesus' holy name, and by his power, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

15 Related Resources by Heartlight

If it is the Lord's will...
Illustration of James 4:15
Inspirational illustration of James 4:15 -- Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."
James 4:14-15
Devo: Today's Verse
"Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to...."
James 4:13-15
Devo: Daily Wisdom
"Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know..."
Ouch! You're Stepping on My Toes
Article by Sarah Stirman
Does God ever use Scripture to step on your toes? We make all these plans and get upset when they don't unfurl like we want, but God often has other plans!
See All 15 Related Resources about James 4:15

Illustration

Illustration of James 4:15 — Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, June 15, 1957

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Laura Ingalls Wilder:
"Things and persons appear to us according to the light we throw upon them from our own minds. How unconciously we judge others by the light that is within..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Psalms 91:9
"The Israelites in the wilderness were continually exposed to change. Whenever the pillar stayed its motion, the tents were pitched; but tomorrow, ere...."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Jesus Is the Only Way!' (Acts 4:11-12)
"[Peter, addressing the council, continued,] "For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, 'The stone that you builders rejected..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 10:9
"The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse