When Plans Change without Warning - Your Nightly Prayer - June 2nd

Kristine Brown

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Your Nightly Prayer

When Plans Change without Warning
Your Nightly Prayer
Kristine Brown

TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” - Proverbs 16:9 ESV

SOMETHING TO PONDER

The other day, I made a phone call to a family member to cancel plans to go see her. We’d both been looking forward to the visit for a long time. I dreaded making that call. It seemed like more and more lately, the ups and downs of life were getting in the way of my plans. Unexpected circumstances took over the agenda, forcing me to cancel things I wanted to do. As I apologized and assured her the canceled plans couldn’t be helped, I blurted out, “I don’t know why I bother making plans; God is just going to change them anyway!” But my wise relative understood. She and I had both experienced so much unwanted change lately. And from her heart, she reminded me that plans are important as we move forward in the work God calls us to do. We pray, make the best decisions we can, and trust God with the changes.

Tonight’s key verse teaches us about the delicate balance between making our own plans and allowing God to direct our steps. Throughout my life, I’ve often mistaken the message of this verse. I assumed Proverbs 16:9 meant my plans and God’s were in conflict with one another. I would seek God’s direction before making plans, but when blindsided by change beyond my control, I froze. I questioned my ability to hear God and follow his plans instead of mine.

Sudden changes in our lives, both big and small, can have an impact on our faith. Life’s interruptions don’t necessarily mean we’re headed in the wrong direction. Sometimes God redirects for our own good; other times, change gives us the opportunity to grow in our dependence on God’s steady hand. The Amplified version of Proverbs 16:9 gives even more insight into its practical application for us today: “A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], but the Lord directs his steps and establishes them.” So, as we journey through this life, readying ourselves for the changes that will certainly come, let’s hold tightly to our unchanging God. He directs our steps and delights in every detail of our lives. (Psalm 37:23)

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Dear God,
Changes are hard. The plans I make are often abruptly interrupted, and I struggle to find my footing. Help me understand the truth that you direct and establish my steps. Help me trust your guidance when I face sudden change and struggle with knowing what to do next. Your ways are sure, and I know I am secure in your mighty hands. Father, I pray for wisdom as I make plans for the days, weeks, and months ahead. I understand that not everything can be orchestrated according to my own desires, but I also know you give me the opportunity to connect my dreams, goals, and plans with your purposes. Your ways are best, and I fully submit to your perfect will for my life. In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

Read this Scripture passage related to tonight’s devotion: “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” (Psalm 37:23-24) Think about God holding you by the hand right now as this day comes to a close.
What changes in your life do you need to hand over to God? Trust God’s steady guidance as you release the outcome of those changes to him.
Worrying over our schedules can affect our ability to sleep well. Envision yourself giving your plans to God as you accept his gifts of peace and rest.

Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Mario Arango

Discover more spiritual growth resources from today’s devotion writer, Kristine Brown, including 20 Fulfilling Promises from God for When You Feel Empty. Learn more about women in the Bible and gain encouragement to help you “become more than yourself through God’s Word” at Kristine’s website, morethanyourself.com.

For the one who is weary without answers. If you’re still showing up and still praying — but starting to wonder if it’s working — this 90-day devotional will meet you right there, with honesty and Scripture in place of easy answers.