One of the key verses for my life is Proverbs 16:9;
“The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”
In Hebrew literature, the word “but” doesn’t mean contradictory statements but parallel statements. So, this verse is saying that I plan my life, and at the same time, the Lord directs my steps with me.
I love to plan my life. While writing goals and strategies, I am fully aware of this verse. I acknowledge my trust and dependence on Him the entire time I plan and write. I am praying and asking for wisdom and guidance as I think and plan events for my life; today, I spent several hours writing out my and Patty’s plans for the next six months. Patty is not really into planning, strategizing, and goal setting like I am, so she is very agreeable to going along with my leadership for us.
I listen carefully to my thoughts, promptings, and ideas while writing my plans and goals. Over the years of practicing this verse, I have improved at listening and discerning as I write. Now, I feel very confident that my final product is the perfect will of God for our lives.
It is an enjoyable way to plan the future. It brings confidence and security to decision-making. Sometimes, I begin to doubt the accuracy or wisdom of a decision or plan I have made, often right in the middle of living it out. Still, if I go back and read what I wrote, I usually come away with renewed confidence in the decisions and direction.