If the Lord will

For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. James 4:15

I've been thinking a lot about this very lately, partly because my own plans have been dealt repeated blows by unwieldy circumstances. But according to the Bible, they are not just circumstances; they are a part of God's providential ruling over all things for my good and his glory. This includes things that aren't good in themselves, like Joseph being sold into slavery. Of that event, he could later tell his brothers, "You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good" (Gen. 50:20).

Why is it important to acknowledge this and to know it? Why should we say, "If the Lord will" over everything? - which is what is meant by "live, and do this, or that." We should say it because it is a constant reminder that we aren't sovereign over all things. Only God is. We live in his world. We breathe his air. We belong to him. It is a reminder that God is God and we are not.

And we are meant to say it because it is a reminder of whom we are to trust. Since God is in control, since he is the one who is in the heavens and does whatsoever he pleases (Ps. 135:6; 115:3), we should not only submit to him but we should also trust in him. Do not trust in your own understanding but trust in God with all your heart. Acknowledge him and he will direct your paths (Prov. 3:5-6).