Have you ever had a plan that you were convinced was God’s will only for things to not work out the way that you thought they would? The verse above holds together two truths that we often separate: we plan, and God directs. The Bible does not discourage planning. It assumes intentionality. We think, decide, prepare, and set goals. Planning is part of responsible living. But Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that our plans are not ultimate. We may chart the course, but God determines how the journey unfolds.

Sometimes God confirms our direction. Sometimes he redirects us. Sometimes he closes doors we were certain would open. And often, we only see his wisdom in hindsight.

There is great freedom in these truths. We plan as we trust God for direction. We walk by faith as we trust God for the outcome. We plan faithfully, but we walk dependently, trusting that beneath every step we take is the steady hand of a sovereign God.

1. Do you make plans and then ask God to bless them, or do you submit your plans to God? Submitting your plans to God means you are making plans prayerfully with God’s will in sight. What are some tangible steps you could take to submit your plans to God?

2. Take a moment to express your trust in God for your future.