Proverbs 19:21, “There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.”
More thoughts on this passage for this month; last month, I shared a poem with you about taking
time to hear Him. Today, I want us to look at the plans we’re making and consider how we might be
approaching the holidays expected in the months ahead. We can make many plans in our coming and going that seems right in our eyes, but have we considered the LORD’s plans? I must confess there was a time when I would make these elaborate plans for hospitality in my home, travel for vacation or visiting family, shopping for the household, volunteering for the community, and teaching in our church. I did so because I believed these were worthy things. But rarely did I consult the LORD to see if it was His plan that I do these things. I would often find myself, saying a prayer beneath my breath at the most hurried times,” LORD, help me as I do this work”, instead, “LORD let me know if this is your work and equip me to serve you.” The results in the planning and completing the assignment are so much better when we seek His purpose first.
This is a sure test for the sojourner as they commit to walk before the LORD; as you make your plans are you really listening to God’s directives for your days or are you going about your day and saying come along LORD? Have you made plans that you sought His will but stepped out and started the project without His blessing? Have you made plans that you thought you had His blessing and then found that it was your desire leading you rather than His spirit leading you? When the doors close to those things and you run into obstacles that are signs to you to rethink your involvement, listen to them! It may be that you need to reconsider your abilities, resources or simply that you need to be obedient and step back and wait upon the LORD for His directions. It’s not an easy task to let go of your desire, plans and work you’ve already accomplished; especially when you’ve already plowed through hard decisions, spent resources and made your plans, but there are times, when He asks you if you trust Him enough to give up your desire to serve Him better. His ways are so much better than our own, trust Him and listen to His counsel.
Abiding Still
Thank you so much for this verse and your thoughts here. I really needed to hear it, especially before the holidays as it is such a busy time for all of us. I had to go to NIV version of the Bible though as it is easier for me to understand as English is not my native language. So it says: "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." I want to make it a priority to spend time with the Lord first thing in the morning and pray about His plans for me for this day and days ahead, consult Him whatever I do is right and give me some signs to go into a different direction if needed. It is so easy to ask your friend or family member of what they think about this and that, because you can get the answer immediately, but it is not always right. But isn't it a human nature? :( With holidays so fast approaching, we need to step back and rethink our priorities and ask Him what He thinks about our plans. That's so true. I pray to be able to fulfill His will in whatever my family do and show our love towards Him through our actions and words. Be more like Jesus Christ. I don't want to miss those little & simple things that bring joy into our lives, and it is so easy to do it when you get yourself so busy. I pray for opportunities to share Christ with others as it is much easier to do during Christmas season. Yana
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