We humans make plans, but the Lord has the final word.
We may think we know what is right, but the Lord is the judge of our motives.
Share your plans with the Lord, and you will succeed. Proverbs 16:1-3 (CEV)
I don’t know how many times I have read “a Proverb a day” and so read through that particular book in a month. There is so much there and, depending on what is going on in my life, every Proverb has some wisdom to give.
Here in these first three verses of Proverbs 16 is the bottom line for me every time I make a plan. I love a plan. I love a checklist. When Henry and I get ready to make a trip, I have a master list of everything that must be packed into the car and the designation of whether it is to be in the trunk, backseat or with me in my seat! And on the morning of departure, I am ready and marking off the list as things go out the door! And I can’t remember a trip that we have taken in which we have not left something behind!
Oh, yes I am not alone in wanting to make plans. We all do it and it isn’t a bad thing to plan. Going through life, living in the moment, and never giving a thought to what is needed to accomplish tasks is not wise any more than making long and detailed plans and being so inflexible as to not allow for change.
Many believe the Spirit of God is always and can only be spontaneous. I believe the most well-known move of the Holy Spirit – Pentecost – was very well planned. The disciples had been together in prayer in Jerusalem. Jesus had told them to do this (Acts 1). To make a plan with God is to make a plan that is covered in His wisdom. It will be a plan that will be full of prayer and so full of wisdom. And – it very well may be a plan much bigger than I thought it would be – because God is in it!
A plan with God may very well be a plan in which no one will know what I did. God does not share His glory on this side of heaven. The thing is – I have found that being a secret agent for God is really fun! When God gives me an opportunity to watch what He will do in someone’s life, it is like getting a glimpse into heaven.
Kind words are like honey – they cheer you up and make you feel strong.- verse 24 (CEV)
Here is a good word for today. It isn’t deep or complicated. But doing just this one simple thing today – speak with kindness – may open doors for extraordinary and wonderful blessings to be poured out. And I will get the opportunity to watch!
Gray hair is a glorious crown worn by those who have lived right. – verse 31 (CEV)
Now my day is complete! I really feel good now! Thank you, LORD, and with Your help, I will continue to live right and this crown will just keep getting more and more shiny!
It is a more than wonderful thing to take the time today to be still and know the presence of God in my life. I have a plan on my mind and I’m going to take it to my Father and see what He says. He has the final and best word!
Be Still My Soul sung by The Imperials (Russ Taff)
