There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel, that will stand. Proverbs 19.21
At the beginning of a new year, it’s almost instinctively our default position to plan ahead and try something new or different. The new year, brings with it, new energy, opportunities and hopes. Many start off with so much to look forward to but not very long, their steam and energy begin to wane. It’s easy to fall back into familiar routines and refuse to put in the effort required to keep going. Then we begin to accept anything at all and there’s the scary feeling this new year will soon become like the previous one. I’ve found having a plan helpful and surrounding myself with like minds to keep me accountable.
‘Many’ indicates that the average person has several plans considering the different aspects of our lives. We may have our personal goals, plans for our families, finances and friendships. Some may choose to expand or downsize, some may be taking new risks while others will remain in their comfort zones. Some plans are short-term, others are long-term. Solomon draws our attention to something important as we make our plans. He doesn’t imply that we shouldn’t make our plans but he’s reminding us that all of our plans are subject to God’s sovereignty.
Some of us might be upset and angry with God because 2024 hasn’t quite gone as we planned. Many of us are adjusting and adapting to changes that cropped up during the year due to no fault of ours. The trajectory of some people’s lives has gone in a different direction as a result of the consequences of decisions they have made or made by others. I don’t know how the year has been but we can find comfort, hope and encouragement from God’s word, that God’s behind the scenes, working all things, not some things, for our good because we are His and are called according to his purpose.
It’s easy to forget that none of us is in control. We didn’t bring ourselves into this world, we are not the ones sustaining ourselves and we have no clue how much time might be left. If God is overall and in absolute control, then we have no option to surrender our goals and ambitions to his sovereign will. Many are upset not only because their year hasn’t gone as planned but compared to others, they haven’t quite ticked off as many boxes. God has a different plan for each of us, our start and end dates are all different and there’s no value in comparing or competing with others.
The Bible says our hearts are deceitful (Jeremiah 17.9), this also implies that some of our plans might be deceitful, selfish or short-sighted. We may be making plans to draw attention or make a name for ourselves but God might change our plans till all we desire is to bring Him glory. Our plans might be only for a few months but God’s seen far ahead into the future and is allowing some disruptions so you can make long term plans instead. Our plans might involve a local team but God might want to connect you with others for a global impact.
Just because this year hasn’t gone as planned doesn’t mean we shouldn’t make plans for next year. Now is the time to write the vision on a paper not in our heads as we consider what went well and what we might do differently. Sometimes God might be drawing our attention to the quantity or the quality of our work. Was your year difficult because you tried to do a lot? Or was it because you were alone and had no support from a team? Maybe we were supposed to be shadowing someone for a while instead of starting out on our own? As we plan ahead, let’s keep an open heart for the disruptions, diversions or detours that God might allow on our paths. Many times, we are in a hurry to get to our destination but God may have His plans for us or others along the journey.
It’s often easier to make plans and achieve them when we are aware of and aligned with God’s purpose and plans. Have you discovered God’s plan for your life? Has God been revealing certain things to you? They may be clues to enable you plan ahead. We will continue to go around in circles if our goals and ambitions don’t align with God’s purpose. Sadly, many continue to invest time, effort and resources on journeys and projects God hasn’t sanctioned. What a tragedy to head down a path that’s opposite to God’s plan and purpose.
I’m learning that when life gets rough and tough or things don’t go as planned, then God must have a better plan in store. If certain doors keep closing, maybe God’s redirecting my focus to explore something else. We must not ignore or pretend to avoid the grief and disappointment that we experience when our plans go south but I hope that we can draw strength and encouragement to continue to trust God even with an uncertain future. God knows the end from the beginning and in His time, He makes everything beautiful.
Lord thank you for 2024, at the cusp of another new year, draw me ever so close to you, reveal yourself and your plans to me. I don’t want to run ahead of you, walk beside me teaching me your ways. I commit my plans to you, may my life bring joy to the Father’s heart, my waking moments bring you glory. I want to see you more clearly, love you more dearly and follow you more dearly day by day. Thank you for the plans you have for me, help me trust you each day. Amen