Proverbs 16:3. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans (NIV).
Most of us get this proverb backwards. We make a plan first, and then retroactively try to commit that plan to the Lord. “Please Lord, bless my plan.” But that is not what this proverb says. In fact, it says the opposite. It says that God makes the plans for us when we commit everything we do to him.
For example, let’s say you want to leave your dead-end job and find a new one. You even have a plan for what new job you want. And so the prayer goes like this, “Dear God please help me get this new job.” But God is telling us to not worry about our plans and instead to work hard where you are – Commit to the Lord whatever you are doing. The prayer should be, “Lord, help me to be committed to you where I am and in all I do.” Then if God opens up an opportunity for a new job, great, but if not that’s OK too.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with making plans or having goals. In fact, other proverbs tell us to make plans. But far too often we can get caught up in our plan instead of committing everything we do to God in the present moment. Only when we can find godliness with contentment wherever we are will we be able to approach changes with the wisdom of trusting the Lord with our whole heart and leaning not on our own understanding.
The Apostle Paul said a very similar thing in his letter to the Corinthians, “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” For Paul, doing things for the glory of God meant doing things out of love. Doing things so as to help others. Doing things so that others will feel God’s grace and then choose good. In Christ, we can live this way, we can commit whatever we do to the Lord Jesus and his love, because he has put his love in our hearts.
In Christ, we should feel free from constantly looking for the exit door or the greener grass on the other side of the fence. Rather, our union with Christ should compel us to spend each moment of each day asking how can I do what I am doing in this moment to the glory of Christ and honor of his name? How can I be content in this place, claiming the reality that “I can do all things through Christ,” whether abased or abounding, because he gives me strength.
Have you been wondering what the will of God is for your life? Well, wonder no more. Here it is: Commit all your ways to him. Whatever you do. Wherever you go. Commit your daily life to him. Trust him. Then he’ll direct your path. Not before you go, but as you go.
We are no longer pagans looking for the answers in the “chicken bones” of life. We do not put fleeces before our God, or wait for celestial signs. We walk in the Spirit one step at a time. His love guiding our path, revealing his will to us moment by moment.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. 16Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
You: What plans are you actively making in your life? Are they interfering with being committed to the Lord in your present situation?
You in Christ: How does trusting our union with Christ allow us to be content in whatever situation we are in?
Christ in you: How can you do today’s tasks for the glory of Christ, without drifting into fantasies of escaping your current situation? Find time to rejoice, pray, and give thanks.
Pray: Father, let me live contentedly in the moment, seeking to live from your love for the glory of your Son. And when I do make plans, help me to trust you whatever the outcome. Amen.
To Live is Christ 