Lord Willing

This morning I came across the Hebrew expression, “B’ezrat Hashem”, which means “with the help of God” or “in the will of God”, and it’s where the common English saying of “Lord willing” or “God willing” is derived.

A quick Google search explains, “The expression is often said when people use their free will and talents to pursue goals, as a reminder that while they are responsible for their efforts, the outcome is ultimately in God’s hands.”

When we pray according to the Lord’s Prayer, we pray ‘Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done’ before we pray ‘give us this day our daily bread’. Our desires and petitions are to be secondary to (and encapsulated by) the willingness to be a vessel of God’s will, and we know according to Romans 12:2 that His will is good, perfect and pleasing. So, we pray our desires and needs, but we surrender the outcome to God knowing that it is ultimately for His glory, and by His grace, our good.

Maybe more importantly, ‘B’ezrat Hasham’ can also serve as a reminder of God’s presence. It’s said that Jewish teachers would write ‘BH’ at the top of their letters and writings as an acknowledgment of the presence of God in a particular matter. May ‘B’ezrat Hasham’ be written on our hearts as we go through this day.

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:6

“The mind of man plans his ways but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

“If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:15

“If Your presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here.” Exodus 33:15