AP

Proverbs 19:21  Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.

Tim & Kathy Keller make a helpful comment on this verse (in conjunction with 16:33 – “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.”) in “The Way of Wisdom”, in the devotion for 11 August, which I reproduce here with a few comments of my own in square brackets []:

“The Guidance of God. Christians want God’s guidance, that is, we want help with what decisions to make.  But [this verse] reminds us that he is already guiding us.

“God can help us in our decision making if we depend on him.  But in another sense we are told God has a plan for our lives and history [‘his story’], and he is working it out.  God is all-powerful, infinitely loving, and perfectly wise in how he loves us and what he brings into our lives.  ‘He works out everything according to the purpose of his will’ (Ephesians 1:11) – [and here I would want to add Philippians 2:12b-13 which has played a very significant part in the direction my life has taken! – ‘continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.’] – and that is for our good (Romans 8:28).  This is the greatest comfort [‘Amen’, brother Tim!].  No matter what others may try to do, God’s purposes for you will stand.  It is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.  No matter how much Jacob lied and deceived and created havoc in his life, still he could not thwart God’s plan for his life, that he be an ancestor of the Messiah.  In a sense, for a Christian, there is no ‘Plan B’.

“How can this truth – that God has a good plan for your life – be a comfort and help as you seek to make wise decisions [or struggle with God’s inexplicable Providence in your life or in the lives of those you love]?

“Prayer: Lord, you are completely just and fair and, despite appearances due to our extremely limited vantage point, you have never wronged anyone.   Give me the deep contentment and peace that can only come from knowing your designs for me are flawless, though I cannot possibly fathom them.  Amen.”

“I will trust my Saviour, Jesus, when my darkest doubts befall; trust him when to simply trust him seems the hardest thing of all. … … Jesus, only Jesus, help me trust you more and more; Jesus, only Jesus, may my heart be ever yours.  I will trust my Saviour, Jesus, he has said his way is best, and I know the path he’s chosen leads to everlasting rest. … … Oh on that cross, how it was seen I can go now ever trusting in the One who died for me.  What could I bring, for your gift is complete, so I trust you, simply trust you, Lord with every part of me.” (Rich Thompson / Jonny Robinson / Tiarne Tranter / Jaywan Maxwell – Cityalight Music)

– Bruce Christian