Many of us are faced with this question every time a new year starts and we all have our own little lists. Career advancement, travel plans, having another child, pursue a degree, get married, start a better exercise regimen… The list is long, ideas are plenty. But consider this: where is He amidst all the planning?
As we start the year and devise our agenda for the future, Proverbs 16 serves as a gentle reminder for us to look unto Him for direction for He has our life mapped out long before we begin to imagine how things would shape up. Verse 9 says: “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines the steps.” Things do not always happen the way we planned it and it takes a lot of heart to accept that. But we must always remember that we only see a small portion of the map, He sees the entire picture. When the things that we hope for do not materialize, we must keep in mind that He is in control and being a loving Father that He is, He will not let any sorrow befall our midst without good reason.
A popular commercial jingle says: “Great things start from small beginnings.” To be able to make an effective plan of action, one must start from looking within. Objectively, try to see yourself in relation to your goals, pursuits and more importantly, His will for you. Evaluate yourself honestly then with humility and prayerful guidance; work your way to improve yourself to ensure that you are equipped with whatever is necessary to accomplish His will. Learn the lessons from your past and with a subservient heart, allow God to direct you to become what He has intended you to be.
So let us start the new year right – with a prayerful attitude, humble spirit, a submissive heart and a renewed trust in the Lord. With this, we cannot go wrong.
Happy New Year, everyone!
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