In his hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. Prov. 16:9For this is the will of God, even your sanctification. 1 Thess. 4:3
Sovereign Father, O, the immeasurable peace, humility, and joy this one verse brings me! No more paralysis of analysis. Goodbye to obsessing and second guessing every decision. So long to the faith denying fear of being outside of your will. To know that you’re vitally engaged in directing every one of our steps, as your children, is incredibly freeing.
You are the all wise God who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of your will (Eph. 1:11). You the loving Father who is working in all things your glory and for our good (Rom 8:28-30). You are the mighty Lord who open doors no man can shut and who shut doors no man can open. Indeed, you’re no mere life coach; you’re the Lord of all things—including me.
Many years I labored under the arrogance and anxiety of assuming that if I prayed hard enough and long enough, that if I was really filled with and “tuned into” the Holy Spirit, I could know the specifics of your will for my life well in advance of any decision that needed to be made. Of course, my assumption was that if I was in your will, life would be enjoyable, pleasant, and hassle free.
If I bought the right car, it would never break down. If I bought the right house, the roof would never leak. If I married the right person, we would never disagree. If I went to the right college, I’d get the right job and life would be all right. If I sent my kids to the right school, they would never act out and would end up on the mission field. If all my decisions were good and godly, I’d never suffer. If all of this was true—if this was the way life really works, I wouldn’t really need you, Father.
You’re certainly honored when we work hard to make good plans, in keeping with our understanding of the Scriptures. And it’s important for us to seek and heed the wise, prayerful counsel of good and godly friends. But help us to live with more confidence that Jesus is the Good Shepherd, not a consulting partner; a very present Lord, not an absentee landlord; the reigning King, not an impotent bystander.
Because of Jesus, I’m confident your will is being done, on earth as it is in heaven. Because of Jesus, I’m humbled to know that you will redeem the less-than-wise decisions I make. Because of Jesus, I enter this day palms up, with gratitude and surrender, for you are making me like him—the centerpiece of your will and glory. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ exalted and praise-worthy name.
