Effective planning that leave us with less of God and more of us are not that effective as we think. In the book of Proverbs, Solomon discussed the relationship of man’s planning and God’s directing work multiple times (Proverbs 16:1; 19:21; 20:24). One example of this is found in Proverbs 16:9: “A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps” (NKJV). Humanity regularly plans and prepares for future events, but in each case God directs the outcome.
Here’s and example of the Lord directing the steps of humanity as seen in Psalm 37:20–26. David, the second king of Israel, wrote this psalm in the later years of his life (Psalm 37:25). Part of the psalm contrasts the actions taken by the Lord toward the wicked and the righteous. In verse 22 David discusses “those the Lord blesses” and “those He curses.” The blessed are the righteous under the Mosaic Law, while the cursed are the wicked (see Deuteronomy 27—28). The righteous man, who delights in the Lord, is promised “firm steps” (Psalm 37:23). He can move forward with confidence because, “though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand” (verse 24).
My brothers and sisters, we are finite in every way and God is infinite in every way. God omnisciently knows the end from the beginning and we futilely try to predict (plan) the end from the beginning. In both examples, do you notice the starking and obvious contrast? If you do, then you should be so confident about God’s plan that you don’t get upset, angry, or bitter when things don’t go the way you planned.
At the end of the day, it’s wise to plan for the future, but we should find comfort in that, ultimately, God directs (orders) our steps. His plans will always lead us in a good path…the right path—one we should all rejoice in because His plans always prevail!
4GIVEN 