Focus on Planning
A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9 NKJV
Welcome to my devotional blog. In this series we are looking at some new or renewed beginnings that can be part of our walk with the Lord. We’ve considered a clearer focus on God by looking at who He really is in Scripture without the distortions or the distractions that might skew our focus on Him (Part One).
We’ve focused on prayer being part of our daily lives, for when we talk with God and read and hear from Him through His word we have a closer relationship with our heavenly Father (Part Two).
Let’s focus on planning.
What does planning have to do with our walk with God?
When we plan what we want to study in Scripture, it can keep us focused and on track. Let’s ask God what He wants us to study in Scripture and be open to His guidance. Consider a book of the Bible, a topic, an attribute of God, a Bible study, or a devotional. We can write down what we plan to study next and even later on. There may be Bible studies or devotionals on our computer or shelves still waiting to be read or reread.
I often have more than one topic or book of the Bible on my plan because of the sermons and lessons in Sunday School that I hear, my devotional writing, and Biblical application in lessons I’m teaching to my students. Having a written plan helps me know what I am to focus on when I open my Bible.
Committing to a certain time to spend time with God in prayer and Bible reading also helps us to stay consistent.
Planning doesn’t stop with our Bible reading. Let’s ask God where and what He wants to work on in our lives. We can plan, but we want the Lord God to direct our steps. He has the best plans for us! When we seek Him with all of our hearts, He reveals Himself to us. We can know Him better than we ever have before!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV
Let’s commit to spending time in the Scriptures and in prayer to God. A written plan may help guide us. As we focus on the Lord, and on our relationship with Him through Bible reading and prayer, He will make Himself known to us.
Let’s ask the Lord to direct our steps and to work in our lives. Let’s give the Lord our planners and our lives and ask Him to show us what He desires for us. Let’s lay our hopes, dreams, and plans before the Lord.
Are we ready to follow His plan?
Dear Lord God, Thank you for Your Sovereign plans for me. Thank you for making Yourself known to me as I seek You and submit to Your will for me. Help me to focus on You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Planner photo (top) by Jess Bailey Designs on Pexels.com
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I hope you are enjoying this devotional series, New Beginnings. Devotionals post every other Thursday, and are archived by month for your convenience.
I would love to hear from you. Is there a devotional topic you are looking for or that has impacted you?
God bless you.
Kathryn
Kathryn Breckenridge 