“The plans of the heart are ours, but the answer is from God. We believe all our ways are pure, but God knows the spirit. Therefore, commit your work to God, and your plans will succeed.”
Proverbs 16:1-3
Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:
- This passage from Proverbs is another invitation, among many throughout sacred texts, which distinguishes between God’s will and way, and our own. It encourages us to reflect on how we plan our lives, especially as we seek assurance and certainty in uncertain times.
- In addition, the proverb directs our attention to God as all-knowing —omniscience — and all-powerful — omnipotence, not as capricious or condemning.
- To commit our work and plans to God, fully and faithfully, means understanding that we cannot see every facet the universe. When we accept this, we can let go and let God, trusting in divine outcome.
- When we are willing to be God-guided, we have faith in our ability to navigate uncertainty and to remain resilient in the face of challenges. This is the adventurer’s mindset as they prepare to sail across the sea or trek up a mountain, just as much as it can be ours on the journey of our lives.
- Even when plans go awry, wisdom prevents us from being foolhardy, strength helps us stretch beyond our comfort zones, and resilience keeps us flexible and motivated.
- Consider this wisdom from Jawaharlal Nehru: “We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have, if only we seek them with our eyes open.”
Contemplation Questions:
Ask yourself:
- When I reflect on my life now, without any analysis or judgment, what is working as I planned?
- Consider all aspects of your life: emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual.
- Create a category for each aspect, and list, word map, or illustrate whatever applies.
- When I reflect on my life now, without any analysis or judgment, what is not working as I planned?
- Consider all aspects of your life: emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual.
- Create a category for each aspect, and list, word map, or illustrate whatever applies.
- When I contemplate what does and does not work, in what ways have I:
- Resisted change?
- Avoided rocking the boat?
- Pushed for my own way?
- Played it safe?
- Held myself back?
- Pre-judged myself, others, and/or the situation?
- Taken the dare or made the leap?
- Invested and/or risked time, energy, effort, and/or money in something uncertain?
- Feared speaking my truth or saying what was on my heart?
- Spoken my truth and said what was on my heart?
- Admitted that I didn’t know what was best and turned it over to God?
- List, word map, or illustrate as much as applies for each.
- When I reflect on all my choices now, what can I do to better align myself with God’s way rather than my own, especially if I’m not sure what to plan?
- List, word map, or illustrate everything you can imagine.
- How do I feel when I contemplate my life being a beautiful adventure?
- List, word map, or illustrate all your feelings. Remember, as you do, that we can experience several feelings simultaneously.
- What steps am I willing to take to be more adventurous and push beyond some of my comfort zones?
- List, word map, or illustrate as many steps as you can imagine.
- Who are at least three (3) trusted family members, friends, colleagues, and/or advisors who can encourage me on my journey?
- Note who they are.
- Then note everything you are willing to do to stay connected with them as your discernment process unfolds.
Remember, as you work with this devotional, that adventure is proceeding without complete certainty, even when we plan. Affirm and know, no matter how you look, who you are, who you love, where you’ve been, or what you’ve done before now, that you are God’s divine, beloved creation. You are loved unconditionally, with infinite compassion. Put one foot in front of the other and go ahead, trusting that you can arrive at all the best destinations for you.
© 2021 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.
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