July 26 | Proverbs 3:6-8, 16:9
Updated: Aug 1
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
TITLE
By Elaine Pierce
I7 10th
Man plans, and God laughs. (Yiddish proverb)
Man proposes, God disposes. (French proverb)
The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry. (John Steinbeck)
Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth. (Mike Tyson)
I will admit that I thought the Yiddish proverb was in scripture. I was close:
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps (Proverbs 16:9).
The book of Proverbs is primarily attributed to King Solomon. It is a collection of practical wisdom, poems and sayings. It teaches that the 'fear of the Lord' is the foundation of all wisdom. Yes, we need to plan our days and work our plans, but first, before we even get out of bed, we need to acknowledge that the Lord determines our steps. If we decide we are 'wise in our own eyes (Proverbs 3:7)' we may be in for a rude awakening.
I've never been a Girl Scout and the hiking I've done is mostly in well-marked Metro Parks. I'm not sure a compass would help me much - I'd look at it and think, OK, so that's North, but how do I get out of this woods? But people like my husband who know how to use a compass (and a flashlight - he has flashlights stashed in every room of our house and both of our cars) find they are very helpful when our sense of direction is amiss.
God's compass is the word of God. When we check our plans with God's plans, we may find that we have strayed off the straight path. Our plans, our attitude, our direction may need to be adjusted. Thanks be to God that he doesn't leave us in the dark! He gives us guidance and 'health to our body' if only we 'trust in the Lord with all your heart.'
PRAYER
Meditate on Proverbs 3:5-8 this week. Thank God for all the times he has guided your steps. Ask him each day to give you a heart that trusts him completely.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ELAINE PIERCE
It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!
Comments