God's PlansSample

14. Commit to the Lord

How: God’s plans require surrender

Lectio. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” (Proverbs 16:3, NIV – read Prov. 16:1–9).

Meditatio. This thematic sequence (Prov. 16:1–9), unusual in the first collection of Solomon’s proverbs, shows that human beings make plans, God also has His, but He discerns our thoughts and His plans are always superior.

Oratio. Pray to obey the imperative of this verse: let go of your own plans and actions, entrusting them to the Lord, so that your thoughts may then be established according to His plans.

Contemplatio. Contemplate humanity: notice how every person, from childhood on, tends to justify mistakes and explain failures. Recognize how such pride is undesirable and rejected by God. He desires humility and surrender.

Confessio. Even after many years in ministry, I realize that many times I carry out my own plans in the work that belongs to God. The solution is always the same: to let go and surrender my plans, so I may fully live His.