Did anyone capture the date and time yesterday when it all coincided? 2:22 p.m. on 2/22/22? My brother was on a Zoom call and was able to click a photo during that one minute. As we anticipated the minute when all numbers would be two, my mother asked if something was supposed to happen. No. There wasn’t anything predicted to happen. It is just a moment in time when all the numbers are the same. Imagine turning 22 on 2/22/22 at 2:22! That is a Golden Birthday for sure!

The future. No matter if it is in two minutes, two days or two months, we worry. We worry what life will be like for us. We worry what life will be like for our children and grandchildren. We worry if there will be any natural resources left. We worry if there will be freedom to enjoy. We worry — about everything.

The woman in Proverbs 31 did not. As a matter of fact, it says she laughs.

²⁵She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.

Proverbs 31:25

I haven’t always been the type of person who laughs at the future. I have worried. I have feared. It is difficult to laugh.

Perhaps that is because I felt responsible for the future. Responsible for what will come, what will happen. In some ways, I suppose I am. In most ways, I am not. In the writing of Isaiah the prophet, the Lord challenges the idols saying, “Yes, tell us what will occur in the days ahead. Then we will know you are gods. In fact, do anything—good or bad!” (Isaiah 41:23) No one knows what is coming except the Lord. He has a plan for us and it is good! This is what he says about his children:

⁹I have called you back from the ends of the earth, saying, ‘You are my servant.’ For I have chosen you and will not throw you away. ¹⁰Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Isaiah 41:9-10

When I consider who holds me, I can laugh at the future. I don’t need to fear anything because I know that his strength is mine. I am held up by his hand. All will be well.

Does the future look frightening to you today? Are you able to recognize who holds you and that all is well? There is nothing to fear, so go ahead and laugh!