Now unless you are a Latin buff, or were around several hundred years ago, the phrase DV (Deo Volente), will likely not mean much. But, actually, it was very common in the seventeenth and eighteenth century. Christians (and others), would use it at the end of a letter or when bidding someone farewell. The direct translation from Latin is, “God Willing,” or more loosely, “If the Lord wills.”

      It was likely inspired by James 4:15, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” In context, James is reminding us not to be too bullish on our ability to carry out our plans in our own strength and wisdom. This may be a factor of age, but at some point it dawns on most of us that we are not as much in control of our destiny as we once thought! As the well known proverb says, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” (Prov. 16:9)

     As with many sayings and conventions, over the years it became less common until it fell out of usage completely. But I think it is a great reminder (particularly in our western ‘can do’ theology), that we should have a large dose of humility in predicting what we will accomplish in the future. This passage (and others) does not seem to indicate that we should have no plans and just sit and do nothing. Rather, that we need to exercise humility, holding our plans loosely, recognizing that he is ultimately in control. No matter how chaotic life and this world may seem, he is still on the throne. This can really bring down our anxiety level and greatly reduce our tendency to worry.

     Now I don’t think it’s my life mission to bring back the saying, DV! But I do think it is a great reminder of who really controls our life and times. He has appointed my days, your days. He not only knows how our story ends (on this earth), but is directly engaged with us in fulfilling his purposes in our lives. The amazing thing is that his purposes for us go far beyond our life on this fallen earth. This is why what we do while here is so important (and why he is so engaged with us). In some way, which we likely can’t fully comprehend this side of eternity, he is preparing us for his ultimate plans for our lives in our real home.

     As we embark on another year, personally and as a ministry, we are excited about the possibilities ahead. From the development of the podcasts series, to meeting with our team in June, and the continued growth and expansion of the CLI training program. But after making our plans, we then say, “Deo Volente.” Sure we have our plans, but we lay them all before him as he weighs our motives and in his wisdom truly knows the best course of action. Our confidence is in Him and not our ability to pull off what we think are great plans.

      So as we look to the rest of this year and make our plans, let me bring back the convention and conclude with, “DV.”