December 29 | Proverbs 16:9

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9, ESV)

So how do you plan for this next year? What kind of plans should you make? We always use the phrase, “Pencil you in.” But if we are asking the Lord what He wants us to do and planning for His Kingdom purposes first we are well on our way to a successful plan.

We tend to over plan and over schedule. We need to plan for devotions, prayer, Bible study, and to practice the spiritual disciplines. Many Christians do not fast regularly. But they don’t leave time to learn the finer points of fasting either.

How well do you know your Bible? Bible study is essential to growing in Christ. These are just some of the things you need to leave time for next year. But most of all you want the Lord to establish your steps. You want to walk in His blessing.

Several Proverbs speak of how your planning and God’s providence affect your day to day. You can plan the way you want to go, how to spend your time, and the projects and plans you set for the next year, day, and week.

But the Lord establishes and directs your steps. It is ultimately up to Jesus to direct you into the paths of blessing. Sometimes you don’t feel blessed in your activities. Perhaps the Lord doesn’t want you to do that right now.

Other things that honor the Lord will not make you feel like you’re getting blessed. If you are being persecuted when you share the gospel you will not feel blessed. But you will be blessed.

Action Step: In everything you plan this year make sure it agrees with the Lord’s desires for you.

Jesus, I want to be part of Your will and way for me. Guide me to do the things that please You. Show me how to spend my time for eternal purposes.