Trusting the God Who Plans Ahead
Have you ever experienced the “Sunday Scaries?” I didn’t even know that was a real thing until a few years ago. A quick search will tell you that it’s the anxiety or dread many people feel on Sunday evenings, anticipating the start of the workweek. For me, the start of the weekends felt light and joyful. But like clockwork, Sunday would arrive—and with it, a wave of unease. My stomach would tighten. My heart would race. I’d become short-tempered and irritable.
Reflecting, I realized I was afraid of what would happen in the week ahead, worried about what might go wrong. I was busy trying to control outcomes and placing unrealistic expectations on myself. And those expectations? They were making me sick—physically, emotionally, spiritually.
Recently, while reading the book of Zechariah, I was reminded of that season in my life. Zechariah was a prophet chosen by God to deliver visions and encouragement to a people who knew fear intimately. They had returned from exile to a broken city, a half-built temple, and a mountain of uncertainty.
And yet, in chapter 9, Zechariah shares a stunning prophecy:
“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey… He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the Earth.” - Zechariah 9:9-10
This prophecy points directly to Jesus, spoken 500 years before His birth! Think about that! God chose Zechariah, centuries in advance, to announce the coming of our Savior. A Savior who would bring peace. A King who would arrive not in grandeur, but in humility.
As I read those verses, one thought overwhelmed me: If God, in His love, planned five centuries ahead to reconcile us to Himself through Jesus, why would I ever doubt that He’s with me, providing and protecting, as I step into a new week?
We serve an all-knowing God. He sees what’s coming before we do. He knows the good, the bad, and the messy—and still, He promises to work all things for the good of those who love Him. (Romans 8:28)
Zechariah’s prophecy is a powerful reminder: God’s plans are greater. His timing is perfect. And He’s already working ahead—for you and for me.
“The plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.” - Psalm 33:11
Reflect: Think about this: If God could orchestrate Jesus’s arrival with such precision 500 years in advance, what might He already be preparing in your life?
Write down one area where you need to trust His timing. Then read Zechariah 9:9–10 again, and let peace settle in.
Prayer: Lord, when anxiety creeps in and the unknown feels overwhelming, remind me of Your perfect knowledge and Your faithful plans. I choose to trust You. Not by my strength, not by my plans, but by Your Spirit. Thank You for being a God who sees ahead and prepares the way. Help me walk into this week with peace, knowing You go before me. Amen.
Reflecting, I realized I was afraid of what would happen in the week ahead, worried about what might go wrong. I was busy trying to control outcomes and placing unrealistic expectations on myself. And those expectations? They were making me sick—physically, emotionally, spiritually.
Recently, while reading the book of Zechariah, I was reminded of that season in my life. Zechariah was a prophet chosen by God to deliver visions and encouragement to a people who knew fear intimately. They had returned from exile to a broken city, a half-built temple, and a mountain of uncertainty.
And yet, in chapter 9, Zechariah shares a stunning prophecy:
“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey… He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the Earth.” - Zechariah 9:9-10
This prophecy points directly to Jesus, spoken 500 years before His birth! Think about that! God chose Zechariah, centuries in advance, to announce the coming of our Savior. A Savior who would bring peace. A King who would arrive not in grandeur, but in humility.
As I read those verses, one thought overwhelmed me: If God, in His love, planned five centuries ahead to reconcile us to Himself through Jesus, why would I ever doubt that He’s with me, providing and protecting, as I step into a new week?
We serve an all-knowing God. He sees what’s coming before we do. He knows the good, the bad, and the messy—and still, He promises to work all things for the good of those who love Him. (Romans 8:28)
Zechariah’s prophecy is a powerful reminder: God’s plans are greater. His timing is perfect. And He’s already working ahead—for you and for me.
“The plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.” - Psalm 33:11
Reflect: Think about this: If God could orchestrate Jesus’s arrival with such precision 500 years in advance, what might He already be preparing in your life?
Write down one area where you need to trust His timing. Then read Zechariah 9:9–10 again, and let peace settle in.
Prayer: Lord, when anxiety creeps in and the unknown feels overwhelming, remind me of Your perfect knowledge and Your faithful plans. I choose to trust You. Not by my strength, not by my plans, but by Your Spirit. Thank You for being a God who sees ahead and prepares the way. Help me walk into this week with peace, knowing You go before me. Amen.
We'd love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments what God is speaking to you as you read these devotionals. If you haven't already subscribed to receive our devotional emails right to your inbox, hit the subscribe button below and invite your family and friends to subscribe as well! Thank you for being a part of our Opendoor Devotional Community. We appreciate you!
No Comments