Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
  and he will establish your plans.
Proverbs 16:3

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The verse before today’s Scripture speaks to the purity of a person’s motives. It says, “All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.” The verse immediately following refers to the day of disaster waiting for the wicked: “The Lord works out everything to its proper end, even the wicked for a day of disaster.”

This context helps emphasize why we should commit our plans to the Lord. We have many plans, goals for our future, children, education, home, etc. These are good, productive, honorable, necessary, and important plans. We are to commit to the Lord whatever we do, and He will establish our plans. The definition of establish is to solidify, make secure, “bring into being on a firm or stable basis”. The way I live this out is to evaluate the purity of my motives and then present the plan to the Lord, knowing He will make those plans secure. At the same time, I’m careful not to be selfish (wicked) because He might allow those plans to also work, leading to their natural consequence of disaster.

One of the ways I apply this principle in my life is when contemplating big purchases. I pause. Step away. Get myself to a mental place where I can honestly answer, “Do I want it or do I need it?” Frequently, I identify it as a “want.” Then I get myself into a mindset where I can truthfully tell God, “I could take it or leave it and be content either way.” I have prayed this way in my heart alone and aloud with my husband or kids. I can sincerely tell you I have gotten green lights where I felt God was bestowing good gifts to His daughter and red flags where I walked away without looking back. I have most certainly gotten it wrong too. These times I look back and remember the thoughts that were probably from God that I dismissed.

I am learning daily how to align my desires, goals and plans with God’s heart and consult Him. Most importantly, to quiet my soul and listen for the answer.

Next Steps

Reflect on how you discern God’s will for your plans. Where do you need to surrender? 

Are you curious about the Book of Proverbs and applying God’s wisdom to your life? This is a short animation from the Bible Project dealing with wisdom from Proverbs. The Bible Project creates beautiful content for many topics.