Notice on a slight format change:

Except for July 2012, these are mostly a collection of current devotional notes.

July 2012 is a re-write of old quiet times. My second child was born Nov 11, 1987 with multiple birth defects. I've been re-reading my QT notes from that time in my life, and have included them here. They cover the time before the birth and the few years immediately after the birth. They are tagged "historical." I added new insights and labeled them: ((TODAY, dd mmm yy)).

Thursday, July 25, 2024

QT 7/25/2024 Prov 16, Planning is good, BUT …

Proverbs 16:3–4 (ESV) —

3 Commit your work to the Lord,

and your plans will be established.

4 The Lord has made everything for its purpose,

even the wicked for the day of trouble.

Proverbs 16:9 (ESV) —

9 The heart of man plans his way,

but the Lord establishes his steps.

Proverbs 16:25 (ESV) —

25 There is a way that seems right to a man,

but its end is the way to death.

 

NOTE: The verses above have stood out many times in my life. There are a reminder that in all of my efforts at planning, God is still sovereign over my life. I have sought his will over the years. I have made bad decisions, but most of the time, there were things I did not consult the Lord concerning. Even the bad decisions have been good, as God has used them to teach me. While my life appears to be under my direction now that I am retired, I find that external events and opportunities seem to be directing my decisions. In that, I can be thankful that God is not unaware and he is establishing my steps.

 

I don't think that these verses suggest that planning is not good. On the contrary, the very mention of plans and planning suggests that as normal for the man of God. Planning is good, but we must commit our planning to God and ask him to direct us during the planning and in the steps after the planning.

 

PONDER:

  1. Do I create plans for my life?
  2. Do I involve God in my planning, by praying first and making sure my spiritual life is part of my plan?

 

PRAYER: Father, continue to lead and guide me as I plan. Lead me in the way I should go. May all I do honor you.

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