Remember the Plan

God has a plan. That plan includes us. Such a thought overwhelms me with excitement, gratitude, and awe. Yet so often I walk through this life as if I do not hold a place in that plan. I stumble and grope around in the dark, acting as if God is just randomly interacting with me moment by moment instead of weaving my life into the fabric of His eternal kingdom. I live this way because, even though I know the truth, I do not always remember the truth.

Remembering God's promises strengthens us. Remembering His love comforts us. Remembering His sacrifice guides us day by day. In the midst of all of that remembering, though, sometimes I think we forget His long term, ultimate plan.

Today part of my Scripture reading included Psalm 132.

For the sake of David Your servant,
Do not turn away the face of Your anointed.
The Lord has sworn to David
A truth from which He will not turn back:
Of the fruit of your body I will set upon your throne.
If your sons will keep My covenant
And My testimony which I will teach them,
Their sons also shall sit upon your throne forever.

For the Lord has chosen Zion;
He has desired it for His habitation.
This is My resting place forever;
Here I will dwell, for I have desired it.
I will abundantly bless her provision;
I will satisfy her needy with bread.
Her priests also I will clothe with salvation,
And her godly ones will sing aloud for joy.
There I will cause the horn of David to spring forth;
I have prepared a lamp for Mine anointed.
His enemies I will clothe with shame,
But upon himself his crown shall shine. Psalm 132:10-18

This passage reminds. It does not remind God of His promise. It reminds His people of His plan. The plan we look forward to includes the return of Christ, the ultimate victory over sin and death, and eternity in God's kingdom. When we remember those plans, we find ourselves motivated, energized, strengthened, and encouraged to keep fighting, regardless the struggle. When we focus only on today, the here and now that lies right in front of us, we lose that reinforcement and we begin to falter. Today might not look great. Eternal victory, though, is beautiful!

Remember today. Remember His promises, love, and sacrifice without a doubt. But also remember His grand plan. That is what will keep us on track for the long haul.