Most of us are at that age where we're making (and have made) big decisions.. some small and some life changing, but they're always important, after all- it's concerning OUR lives right? We go ahead and make decisions, we plan and execute according to our reasonings (and selfish desires... as these verses have revealed). And then God redirects us.. he says "No, it's not about you. It's about what i've called you to do. I have plans and great things in store. Just follow me.. my will is perfect."

Some of us may brush it off, some ignore this voice altogether and some of us struggle in confusion and despair. But really, it's no about US!

Boasting About Tomorrow
"Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or
that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why,
you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You
are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead,
you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this
or that." As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil.
Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it,
sins."
James 4:13-17

This is why God commands us to be happy ALL the time! Because the place where i'm at right now, no matter how I feel or what the world may have to say about it, is the BEST place for me according to His will! If his will includes a season of patience endurance in suffering and trials, then praise God that's exactly where i'm at! If that is so- i'm sure there is a reason. God wouldn't put us through trials just for the heck of it! God loves us! He cannot give us anything short of the absolute best, it's not in His nature to.

Praise God!