“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
The new year represents a fresh start – a chance to dream bigger dreams, resolve to live more intentionally, and set goals for the months ahead. Yet, we can’t do all that well on our own. Proverbs 16:3 reminds us that we need God’s help to make and fulfill plans well.
The verse begins with a call to action: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do.” The word “commit” implies an act of faith. To commit something to the Lord means to offer it fully to God, releasing control and welcoming God’s guidance into our lives. This can feel challenging in our fallen world, which celebrates making our own choices regardless of God’s guidance. But the Bible repeatedly teaches us that true success and fulfillment come not from our efforts alone but from seeking God’s guidance for making our decisions.
Consider how a child might hand over a fragile toy to a loving parent for repair. That requires trust that the parent has the skill and care to fix what’s broken. Similarly, when we commit our plans, dreams, and goals to the Lord, we acknowledge that God’s wisdom and power are far greater than our own. We trust that God will take what we’ve offered and shape it according to his perfect purposes.
The second half of the verse promises: “...and he will establish your plans.” This doesn’t mean that every desire of our hearts will be fulfilled exactly as we envision. Instead, it means that God will guide our plans when we trust and rely on him day by day. When we set goals that line up with God’s guidance for us, God transforms our efforts into something meaningful and lasting.
This promise means that our goals don’t depend on our efforts alone. God, in his wisdom, will help us make the best plans and give us the strength we need to make those plans a reality in our lives.
So, as you step into this new year, consider how you can commit your plans to the Lord. Here are some key steps to do so well:
-Pray for direction. Begin by asking God to reveal his will for your life in this new year and beyond. Before setting any goals, spend time in prayer and meditation. Ask God to guide your thoughts and desires so that they line up with his purposes.
-Evaluate your goals. As you write your goals, examine their motivation. Are they driven by a desire for self-fulfillment or a genuine longing to honor God? Do the goals you’re considering reflect God’s priorities, such as growing in holiness and spreading God’s love through intentional kindness?
-Trust God with the outcome. Once you’ve made your plans, release the outcome to God. This doesn’t mean sitting back and doing nothing; it means working diligently while trusting that God is ultimately in control.
-Stay flexible. Life is unpredictable, and even the best-laid plans can change. Pay attention to when the Holy Spirit may lead you to change your plans and be open to doing so whenever you sense God leading you in a new direction.
Proverbs 16:3 reminds you that God is where your strength comes from. As you work toward your goals, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the effort required. But when you rely on God, you can trust God to faithfully give you the strength you need to stay focused and accomplish those goals.
When challenges come up, you can lean on God’s promises and trust that God will help you handle whatever comes your way. Remember, success is not defined by worldly standards but by faithfulness to God’s call.
Let’s pray:
Dear God, as I move into this new year, I’m grateful for the gift of a fresh start and hopeful for what lies ahead in my life. Lord, I commit my dreams, goals, and plans to you. Please line them all up with your will for me. Help me to seek your wisdom and to trust you with the outcome in every situation. When I face challenges, remind me of your promise to establish my plans and provide for my needs. Give me the strength to persevere, the humility to follow your lead, and the faith to trust in your timing. Thank you for walking with me into this new year. Please use my life for your good purposes in this new year and beyond. Thank you; I love you. Amen.
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Related Resource: Jesus Calling - Stories of Faith
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Originally published Monday, 13 January 2025.
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