December 28 – End of Plans

        Psalm 146:3, 4 – "Do not put your trust in princes, who cannot save. When their

spirit departs, on that very day, their plans come to nothing."

        As I was reading this Psalm one day, verse 4 really jumped at me from the page. It caused me to pause and think deeply of the word "plans". That sentence has quite an obvious meaning. When I die, my plans for me will certainly end, as my eternal

beginning starts. Also, in the context of the verse, the plans belong to rulers, leaders of the nation. We are commanded to not put all our eggs in the political basket (even

though one may work toward political goals). God is the only one in whom we should place our trust.

        Obviously, there are plans currently in motion, even by people who have already died. They saw that there were money and resources to keep their plans going, after their demise. This happens quite frequently by philanthropists of all kinds, whose trusts and charities have been developed to outlast their lifetimes. Compare this idea, however, with I Corinthians 2:6-8 – "We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age nor the wisdom of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we declare God's wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." Now, the picture becomes clearer. If my plans do not align with God's plan in this world, they will certainly end in futility, because God's plans will be accomplished (Ps. 33:11).

        The contrary is also true. If I have devised plans that align with his ways and purposes, then God may bless those and allow them to be perpetuated for his glory and for the good of mankind. Read Acts 5:33-39 for an explanation of this concept by Gamaliel, a Sanhedrin council member who spoke in favor of, apparently, wisdom and temperance, when dealing with the newly-formed group of Christians. But I believe that he understood the broader picture of God's plan of salvation; so, he was actually speaking on behalf of God's plan.

         What do you plan to do today? Is it something selfish? Is it something to help another person? Is it something to further the kingdom of God? Are you planning for an eternal future with God?