From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

November 20
Lord Willin’ and the Creek Don’t Rise

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 126:1-3 | Ezekiel 40:28-41:26 | James 4:1-17 | Proverbs 28:3-5

Today’s Scripture Focus: James 4:1-17

“Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’” (James 4:14 ESV)

I worked for many years with a pastor that had many colorful expressions from his Kentucky upbringing. As I was leaving the church each day, I’d say something like, “See ya.” He’d always reply the same way, “Lord Willin’ and the Creek Don’t Rise.” I just wrote it off as another one of those expressions that I don’t really get, and thought it was probably not worth the energy to pursue.

I remember not longer after that running into this passage in James, and realizing it probably was one key to understanding the: “Lord…