Go with the Flow

by Jen G. 2011

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down, For the LORD upholds him with His hand.” Psalm 37:23, 24

Earlier this month a friend, her daughter and I were to make a much anticipated trip to another friend’s home. It was to be a ‘Hen Party’, according to the many sons and one husband of my to-be-visited friend. We had the weekend all planned out. Visiting, laughter, a tea room lunch and cheese cake - what more could we want?

“Commit your works to the LORD, and your thoughts will be established.” Proverbs 16:3

Then people in my house started throwing up.

“Okay,” thought I. “There is still plenty of time for everyone to get back to normal.”

Everyone got better just in time, and then…a big snowstorm hit. Plans were rescheduled for this past weekend and my excitement began to build again.

Then fevers and sore throats and congestion started.

Once again I thought I would have plenty of time for health to return to my people and for me to pack. Can you believe another huge storm hit us the morning we were to leave?

“A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

Each morning I pray and ask the Lord to order my steps in the coming day. The words are sometimes very heartfelt, but other times they pop out from habit. Either way, I am praying for His guidance and leading. Why then, am I so irritated when my plans are changed? Could it be because I do not fully trust the Lord with the time He has given me? If my day is committed to Him and His will, then I will not be distracted or frustrated when He leads me down an unexpected path. Instead, I will be ready and able to meet the need before me or participate in the blessing He prepared.

“He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he.” Proverbs 16:20

Does that mean I am not to make plans or prepare for events? No, it simply means that I recognize that while I have plans, the Lord has the greater purpose in mind for my day. True joy and happiness comes when I ‘go with the flow’ of the Holy Spirit’s leading.

“Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.” Psalm 37:5, 6

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down, For the LORD upholds him with His hand.” Psalm 37:23, 24

Prayer:

Father, thank You for Your daily guidance. Each circumstance that comes my way was first filtered through You and holds the potential for me to honor You and bless others. Help me to remember to commit my works and plans to You each day and then react joyfully and peacefully when you answer my prayer! Amen.

Challenge:

Commit your works to the Lord each day. Watch for the Lord’s direction and follow it, choosing not to react with impatience or aggravation. Keep a journal of how the Lord directed you this week and how you did with following His plan. Remember what Psalm 37:24 says: “Though he fall (or has a massive change of plans – Jen’s paraphrase) he shall not be utterly cast down, for the LORD upholds him with His hand.”

Jen G. 2011