Plans of the Heart

     When I wake up, I think through the day and the plans that I've made. Most of the time, I run things by God, but today as I read Proverbs 16 it occurred to me, that I may not have the purest of motives. By telling God my plans and asking Him to bless them, I am leaving out what He may have in mind and what is best for me and those with whom I come in contact. 

    The following scriptures from Proverbs 16 (NIV) speak to the issue of Who is really in control of my daily plans and schedule:

    16:1 "To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue." 

    16:2 "All a person's ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD."

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

    16:33 "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD."

    What great reminders that ultimately, God is in control. Thank God for that, right? If I was in control, what a big mess I could make. I know, as my life prior to becoming a Christian was full of chaos and turmoil, even the good that was done, was usually with wrong motives. 

    Now, I'm not saying that since I became saved, I have done things all correctly, because that is certainly not the case, but at least now, the Holy Spirit convicts me of my waywardness, then it's up to me to choose a better way. Before my walk with Christ, I thought my way was the best way, and that led to heartache and bitterness and lots of lost opportunities. 

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."