“The mind of a person plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps.” – Proverbs 16:9
In football, each team has their own unique playbook that all of the players and coaches study. They learn the plays and practice them with the goal of mastering them ahead of game time. This is an important strategy in preparing a team for the game, but once the defense is present during the game, the steps of the players will have to change and adjust according to the adversity in front of them.
It is great to have a plan in life. It gives us direction and vision to follow, which can provide a certain level of comfort and security. But when we do these things without the Lord, we can get tripped up by the simplest roadblocks in life. Like a father guiding his child through a new place, the Lord directs our steps; even when it is different from what we expect or want. It is so easy to get frustrated about this; like a child wanting to venture out on their own, we want to make our own plans to follow God. Yet He is gracious to us in this: He, as a good Father, will protect us and guide us.
What a privilege and honor to not only have someone that cares so much about the steps we take but to know it is the God of the universe that wants to lead us so intimately in this way. His care for your steps is not burdensome: it is a precious gift that protects you from yourself. Whether your plans are going well at the moment or you are hitting some bumps along the way, it is the same God directing your steps and leading you through.
- When was a time you made plans apart from the Lord’s guidance? What would have been different if you had depended on the Lord?
- How does the Lord’s direction in your life encourage you?
- Pray and thank God for directing your steps, even when you are determined in your own way.
