Scripture for Today: Psalm 33:10-11 “The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.”

If there were ever a piece of advice for the beginning of a New Year, this would fit the bill! This quote to expect the unexpected has been attributed to Bear Bryant, that iconic football coach with his black and white houndstooth hat. He is considered one of the greats with his legendary run of 6 national championships as coach of University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide. Although he was known for holding his rolled-up game plan while on the side lines, he obviously had to disregard it in the face of the unexpected.

Today’s verse reassures me, not only at the beginning of a New Year, but every day. There may be political unrest or chaos in our world but the Lord has plans that are never frustrated or foiled. His sovereignty is absolute. He allows and He blocks the plans of men. He is not random or capricious but always has a design of His own that will supersede our own plans. His unseen plans will never be thwarted by man as they stand firm and forever. I can be assured that there is an ordered objective to what God is allowing.

This truth gives me tremendous comfort when my world seems to be spinning out of control, whether on the world stage or in my personal life. Nothing takes the God of the universe by surprise. He has no need to modify or change His plans as He knows the end from the beginning. Nothing is ever “unexpected” for Him! And because this is true, I have no cause for fear. In the middle of the unexpected, I can expect the Lord to keep His Word and promises to me!

Thank you Lord, that Your plans stand firm.