Planning

Worship Folder

Outline

Hook: When was the last time you were unexpectedly moved by something?

I. TESTING GOD
"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring" (Proverbs 27:1).

II. TRUSTING GOD
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established" (Proverbs 16:3).

III. GOD'S TRUSTWORTHINESS
"The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart for all generations" (Psalm 33:11).

Take-away: Learn to bear the burden of wisdom.

Resources

• Oliver Burkeman, Meditations for Mortals
• Bobby Jamieson, Everything is Never Enough
• Harmut Rosa, The Uncontrollability of the World
• James K.A. Smith, You Are What You Love

Discussion Questions

1. Describe a time when you were unexpectedly moved by something. A sunset? A view? A meal with friends?
2. There are two wrong ways to make plans: 1) to make no plans; and 2) to make your plans a boast. Which are you more prone to do? In either case, how is your planning (or not planning) making a demand on God? 
3. Testing God is acting, then trusting. Faith is trusting, then acting. How do you (practically) "commit your way to the Lord" (Psalm 37:5) before you make plans? What is one concrete way you can practice that this week?
4. The Bible holds together our planning and God's sovereignty. How does knowing God is ultimately in control of all things take the press off of your planning? Can you think of an example where God's sovereignty is a comfort to you? Also, where it is a challenge?
5. What truth about God do you most need to believe in order to trust him and face the "semi-controllability" of the world?
6. Bobby Jamieson says, "Wisdom is consciousness without control." Wise people know more about what's wrong in the world, and they recognize how little control they really have. Pray and ask God to make you wise.