The Prudent Plan

The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways,but the folly of fools is deception.

Proverbs 14:8 (NIV)

Giving thought to our ways—now that is a good idea! The Hebrew word for “way” is derek. It means “road, course of life, or mode of action.” It includes our habits and lifestyle. It’s not just what we do day to day. It’s how we do it, why we do it, when we do it, and where it leads us.

This makes me think of a wonderful Scripture, Psalm 37:23 (NKJV): “The steps of a good man [or woman] are ordered by the LORD.”

I love this. This means that we don’t have to think out our plans alone. The Lord is offering to be actively involved. That’s why—I can’t say it enough—that’s why it’s a tragic and foolish habit to waste a perfectly good day by not starting it out with time in God’s Word, at his feet, talking to him, letting him talk to you. I often keep a little notepad to make a running list of things I feel the Lord brings to mind. Often things come up that were not even remotely what I might have thought of. Sometimes it really makes me smile, the little divine detours I sense he puts on my heart.

So, child of God, in this crazy, off-course, upside-down world, don’t live a life of randomness. Acknowledge the Lord in all your ways, and he will truly direct your steps (see Proverbs 3:6).

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

Today was a great day for me. I started the morning by asking the Lord to help me make a “get-to-it list.” I wrote down twelve things I’d been putting off for the last few weeks. I did not let myself move on to some things I wanted to do until I crossed off the last one.

Will you get out a pad, take a moment, and ask the Lord to help you make a list of things that have been nagging you? Then set a deadline. Tackle the first one. And keep going until the last one is done. Then you can reward yourself with a cup of tea and a cookie. Yep, sometimes we need a little positive reinforcement too!

One Year Bible Reading

Judges 7:1–8:17; Luke 23:13-43; Psalm 97:1–98:9; Proverbs 14:7-8