There are Christians who believe that it’s not necessary to make plans. Their belief comes from Matthew 6: 34. “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” This indeed is good advice that should be followed. But the verse, alone, shouldn’t be the cause for a dogmatic doctrine about the subject. That’s because other Scripture shows that the verse doesn’t negate the need for planning. For example, check out the following verses.

“A wise man thinks ahead; a fool doesn’t and even brags about it!” Proverbs 16: 13.

“Plans go wrong with too few counselors; many counselors bring success.” Proverbs 15: 22.

“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” Proverb s 21: 5.

And then there are these words direct from the mouth of Jesus.

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand?” Luke 14: 28-31.

From these verses, we see that it’s wise to think and plan ahead with counseling and careful deliberation. Also, most crucial is to pray for the Lord’s involvement before, during and after the planning process. That would be In keeping with Proverbs 16: 9’s “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps” and James 4: 15’s “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.”

Such prayer develops the attitude of submission, which places plans in God’s hands. Having done so – pursued God’s righteousness – that then naturally leads to one being able to live and apply Matthew 6: 34.