“Invest time and effort in planning; you will save time and better align with God’s heart.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – January 8, 2025
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9
For many years, my wife Rita and I have taken time in January to discuss, pray about, and plan for the upcoming year. We try to find a fun place away from home so we are not distracted by ongoing projects and unplanned interruptions. Some years, because we have a limited or zero budget to go somewhere, we use our home to experience a two-day staycation. Whether at home or at a hotel, we plan our calendar and budget on the first day and play on the second day.
Proverbs 16:9 is a helpful proverb that reflects setting plans while trusting the Lord to clarify and confirm. This verse highlights the healthy balance between our efforts and God’s. While making plans and setting goals is wise, ultimate success and direction come from the Lord. We are reminded to seek God’s guidance, remain flexible, and trust Him to refine and confirm our steps according to His perfect will. It encourages humility and dependence on God in every endeavor.
God can bless a mess, but He usually blesses a plan! The Lord blesses our plan when it aligns with His will and is committed to Him with an open hand. When circumstances change, be agile to adjust to the new normal, i.e., health challenges or a financial disruption. This requires us to invite the Holy Spirit into the planning process, seek His wisdom through prayer, and be willing to modify our desires to match His purpose. Divine favor to our plan often comes when we seek to glorify Him, serve others, and reflect His kingdom values. Plans rooted in selfish ambition or contrary to His will may not succeed, but those that honor Him find favor. Trust that God, as He guides and blesses steps that are surrendered to Him, will bring purpose and fulfillment.
What are some ways for you to get started in planning your new year? Reflect on the past year—celebrate successes, learn from challenges, and seek God’s wisdom for new goals. Write down specific, faith-centered goals, focusing on spiritual growth, relationships, health, and service. Be realistic yet open to God’s leading. Commit your plans to Him and remain flexible, trusting His timing. Share your goals with a trusted friend or mentor to stay accountable. Remember God’s promises and let Him shape your vision as you plan. Planning is an ongoing process… make sure you review and adjust as you go. Otherwise, you can get stuck and begin to feel like you failed.
Confession. I like lots of goals, and Rita likes a few that are attainable. I have learned if I want my wife to buy in and get excited about planning, I need to understand what motivates her. So, I may have a few more quiet goals. But our primary focus is a few, like helping our children with their children’s education, attending two silent retreats, meeting with a trainer twice a week, and visiting Rita’s dad regularly. If we accomplish these priorities, then our planning has been successful. In addition, we look closely at our budget around sharing, saving, and spending. Clarity and realistic expectations around increasing generosity, fun trips, and planning for the future help us stay within the boundaries of our budget (aka spending plan!). Invest time and effort in planning; you will save time and better align with God’s heart. He blesses His plan!
Prayer
Lord, guide my heart and mind as I plan. Help me trust Your wisdom above my own, aligning my goals with Your will. Establish my steps for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Application
Consider a dedicated time to plan your calendar and budget for the year. Include a regular review of your calendar and budget to make adjustments as needed.
Related Reading
Proverbs 21:5; Jeremiah 29:11; Luke 14:28; James 4:13-15
Worship Resource
Carrie Underwood: Goodness of God
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