“We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer…..We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps….We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall.”  Proverbs 16:1,9,33 NLT

The message is clear in Proverbs chapter 16. From the beginning of the chapter until the end, God is in control. When the world seems to be spinning too fast, when you are wondering if you are doing what you need to. Know this, God is in control; of the things around us, but also of our very lives. 

Some of us live our lives like we are a contestant on game show Let’s Make a Deal and are standing before three doors with the pressure to choose one. We live our lives paralyzed with indecision concerned over making a bad choice and ending up with something undesirable. If our hearts desire is to follow the Lord, live righteously, and make wise choices, we can know that God will lead us to choices that will be good for us. We may not get everything we want, and it may not always be comfortable, but God will lead us to what is good for us and what we need.

“We make our plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.” Notice that it doesn’t say that He not only has the right answer, but that He gives them to us. If we are listening, He provides the answers. 

We make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. He goes before us and, without interrupting our our free will, determines where and how we step. 

And if we think that we are “counting on our luck”, the Lord reminds us that there is no such thing as chance. He will open and close doors that no human can. 

“… What he opens, no one can close; and what he closes, no one can open:”  Revelation 3:7 NLT

The Lord has a celestial auto correct feature. He doesn’t just fix typo’s, he corrects all the circumstances of our lives to work out for our good, and that is a great deal!

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”  Romans 8:28 NLT

That doesn’t give us an excuse to be irresponsible, we still need to participate and do the best we can with what He has given us. But then? Trust Him, listen for His voice and follow Him. He will give you the answers you need and direct your steps. 

My prayer for you week is that you would be relieved of unnecessary pressure and that you would be encouraged to live a joy filled, wonderful life, knowing that God is with you and He is for you.

In His Hands,

John