About Those Plans!

Scripture:   Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) - For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.    

Whether we admit it or not, many of us find ourselves a bit uncomfortable with the above Scripture; it suggests the paradox that we ourselves are not completely in control of every aspect of our lives, of everything that happens to us.  Of course, we make our plans, but if we are wise, we will embrace the truth of Proverbs 16:9— “A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.”  Someone long ago joked that, “If you want to make God laugh, tell Him YOUR plans! Now obviously, there is nothing inherently wrong with making plans; however, before doing so we must not ignore the wisdom found in James 4:13-16: “Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.”  Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.  What is your life?”
     
The God of everything invites us who reverence Him to acknowledge that He ultimately holds the reigns in how our plans unfold.  Such knowledge should prompt Christ followers to daily get STILL before the Lord, coupling prayer with quiet meditation to seek the Spirit’s leading on various decisions and life circumstances.   “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the LORD, it will stand.”  (Proverbs 19:21) Our Lord lovingly invites us to live most transparently with Him!  (Just give up the notion that we can be “007-type saints” when it comes to relating to our precious Savior, our dearest eternal Friend)!  He even warns us—if we’re even planning any iniquity--- “Woe to those who deeply hide their plans from the LORD, and whose deeds are done in a dark place…”  (Isaiah 29:15)   El Roi (the God who SEES us) desires that we seek Him in matters large and small, being FULLY disclosing to Him, TRUSTING Him to lead and guide us along every God-approved path!  If He was an indifferent Savior, why else would He invite us to “cast EVERY care upon Him?” He, above ALL others, TRULY CARES for us!
     
Prayer:  Dear Abba, given the brevity of this present life, how wondrous a reality it is that You, the Sovereign and almighty God of all, invite Your Spirit-sealed people to include You in all of our plans, large and small.  May we more consistently embrace that precious privilege!  Thank You, LORD!  AMEN!

(By Sis. Denise Diggs)