Let’s face – we like to make plans.
We keep schedules and routines. We write on our wall calendars, on our desk calendars, in our daytimers, and on our cell phones.
We dream and aspire from the time we are young. And even at my ripe, old age – I am yet dreaming and aspiring.
Have you ever wondered what truly takes place in our lives as we make our plans?
“We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” (Proverbs 16:9, NLT)
The last few days, this verse has provoked me to think more deeply the manner in which we make plans. I’m coming to realize that whether I make detailed and outlined plans or if I resort to flying by the seat of my pants (I strongly suggest you not!), God is still in control.
Here is what I’ve learned …
The word ‘determined’ is the Hebrew word kun (3922 in the Old Testament Lexical Aids). It means …. “to be established, sure, fixed, certain”. And here’s the part which got me …. “denotes bringing something into existence.”
How good is that? Seriously! We can do all the planning we want but He is the One, the Only One, who can bring those plans to materialize.
The OTLA further explains … “Also signifies the deep satisfaction and sense of well-being which comes from the certainty that one’s heart steadfastly trusts in the Lord who directs man’s paths.”
It is as we make our plans with His direction that we become people deeply satisfied in life. We live in the confidence He has directed us in the way best for our lives. Mark Batterson reminds us:
God is great not just because nothing is too big for Him; God is also great because nothing is too small. The Sovereign One care about every minute detail of our lives. (from Draw the Circle, page 22)
Let’s plan and dream and follow His lead. Let’s pray and invite Him to bring those plans and dreams into existence as He wills and knows is best. I am drawing a few circles of my own. I encourage you to do the same.
Take the risk.
Draw the circle.
This is Day 2 of 31 Days Of Going In Circles. You can find the entire series here .
Today I am joining … Thought Provoking Thurs. and Coffee for Your Heart and Thurs. Favorite Things and Hearts for Home .
Love this post! We do so often make our own plans without consulting Him or recognizing the control He has! I think that goes right into what I learned in Simplify and was posting about today too…that when we simplify our lives, God has time to dwell among us and to show us what He’d have us do. Rather than us being tied to our calendars and to-do lists. Great series, my friend!
I thought our posts dovetailed well when I read your post too š May we allow Him to determine our steps in the days ahead.
Thanks for digging into the meaning of the word “determined”…it gave me a deeper appreciation of God’s working out of my day and His will…your blog is a great dovetail with Dawn Paoletta’s 31 Days of Planning with Purpose! I am following a select few blogs for October, so I am enjoying how the Holy Spirit is weaving them together…
Kel, thank you for mentioning Dawn’s series as I am going to need to check it out š It is amazing how I am finding a few that dovetail & love when that happens. I loved when I read the meaning of determine as it makes me realize I am not walking through life aimlessly. So glad you are sharing your thoughts with me too!
Isn’t is amazing that our well-laid plans look great on paper but if they don’t align with God’s plans the road will be bumpy along the way. Have a beautiful weekend!
Mary, as I read your comment I thought… well at least Mary stays on the road even though it is bumpy. I think I end up in the breakdown lane at times! So much better when He determines my way. May you have a great weekend too!