Godly Plans

“There are many plans in a man’s heart,

Nevertheless, the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.”

     Proverbs 19:21 (NKJV)

Have you made any resolutions for this new year?  Or maybe you’ve chosen a certain word this year?  This seems to be popular even in Christian circles; I’ve recently read of “joy,” “genuine” or “pray” as words selected to focus on for spiritual growth. Or maybe you’ve chosen a particular Bible verse to follow this year?

It’s good to have goals and make plans.  The problem is when we leave God out of them.  James 4:13-17 describes businessmen who made plans for where they would go, how long they would stay there and even boasted that they would make a profit while there, but God didn’t enter their plans.  None of us are guaranteed tomorrow; only God knows.  As Proverbs 19:21 indicates, our heart may be filled with many plans, but only God’s counsel and purpose will prevail.

Have you ever made your own plans and then asked God to bless them?  Have you ever confidently said I will do this and that, just assuming that God would be with you?  I think each of us might have done that.  Instead, we should seek God’s will and His wisdom in making our plans and in setting our goals, and then pray for His help in doing them. 

Whether you’ve made resolutions for the year---or not, I pray that we will each walk humbly with God in an attitude of surrender to His will. And whatever circumstances and challenges we’re facing this year, I want to encourage us to remember that God will use all of it for our good and His glory if we love God and are “called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NKJV)