Should I Plan?

The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. PROVERBS 16:9 ESV 

For Christmas this year, three different people gifted me planners. I can’t tell whether this means I need to plan more or that they all think I love planning. I’ve decided to take on the right mindset and assume the latter! When it comes to plans, my husband and I are in the middle of some big ones. We know this is for the betterment of our kids’ futures, but sometimes I wonder where the line is between planning without fully trusting God and how to plan faithfully. Maybe you’ve struggled with this too, and even contemplated making another musical rendition of “Let Go, Let God.” Before you head to the recording studio, let’s see what Scripture says about planning. 

The Bible tells us that “If you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness” (Proverbs 14:22 NLT) and “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22 ESV). It also says, “Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established” (Proverbs 16:3 ESV) and “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand” (Proverbs 19:21 ESV). Okay, so planning doesn’t mean a lack of trust in the Lord. It’s a good thing. But it becomes dangerous when we think we know better than the Lord. So what do we do? We plan to do good, not evil, surround ourselves with wise people who can give us healthy counsel and guidance, create a plan, and hand over those plans to the Lord, knowing God will lead us where He wants us because we know that is the best place to be. 

God of every second, you are the ultimate planner. You planned and put this entire earth together—and everyone on it! Give me guidance and knowledge to plan so that I walk in Your will for my life. Amen. 

REFLECT: What are you currently planning? Is it for good? Have you received wise counsel and advice? Have you submitted your plans to God with open hands, trusting His way is best? 

This is an excerpt from Living Open-Handed: Devotions for Surrendering Control and Finding Joy in the Unexpected by Shruthi Parker – a devotional now available on DaySpring.com. Shop all books, journals, and devotions from DaySpring here.