“Lord Determine My Steps Today And Always!”

“Lord Determine My Steps Today And Always!”
Proverbs 16:1-9 from which we meditate today can be classified under thr literary device called “inclusio.” Inclusio is when the same material is placed at the beginning and end of a section. Structurally it is aimed at alerting the reader to a particularly important theme.
The wise man said, “To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue”(16:1).Ending at (16:9) he states, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”
What comes inbetween these two verses complement the fact that man is nothing without God. Whatever a man does he tries to justify it but God is interested in the motive.
We often use words to justify our actions. Others often evaluate us through those actions but God knows the motives and judges us by our motives. That is why it is important to “commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” Some plans seemingly succeed without God or so we think, but the truth is that “the Lord works out everything for his own ends – even the wicked for a day of dissaster.” It is the end that matters!
The Lord has no place for the proud of heart. It is through love and faithfulness to the Lord that sin is atoned for and “through the fear of the Lord a man avoids evil.”
Let your way be pleasing to the Lord and he will make even your enemies to be at peace with you – maybe not openly!
We all need a better life – whatever that means – but ask God to bless you with little through righteousness than much gain with injustice.
In everything, plan with God because in your heart you plan your course but it is the Lord who determines your steps. Seek the face of the Lord always and strive to obey his will. Remember always that God has bought you with a price. You belong to him!
Prayer: Holy Spirit direct my heart so that my motives should be in alignment with God’s plan. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!