With the year 2020 now officially in full swing there were many predictions from the past that have not materialized. We all wished for those flying cars and a personal assistant robot. I am glad some predictions did not come true as my meals are not all in pill form and I can still drink coffee and tea. It is great to see the reality unfold of self-driving cars coming to fruition and as we enter a new decade doesn’t it seem timely and sure-sighted to make some 2020 plans?
The Bible speaks a lot about making plans. Proverbs16:3 states, “Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established” (ESV). Often a verse like this is interpreted blindly to tell God to do or bless something for us, because we are working hard and we want the results to benefit us. The book of Proverbs is a collection of principles and sayings that can benefit one’s life. These truths come alive when understood in the message of the Bible and in the context of being in relationship with God. The verb “commit” in this scripture passage actually means to turn things over to God and to depend on him for direction. When one “commits” our work or plans to the Lord, it means we offer everything we do completely to him.
As we commit our ways to the Lord throughout our life, we can then start to see the best way to live as one seeks God’s best in our lives. The things we work at and do then start to line up with the will God has for our lives. When our work is committed to God, God establishes his plans in our life. God offers us help and hope as we travel. Will there be difficult times and broken dreams even as we work and journey through life? Yes, but as we faithfully turn things over to God he promises not to leave us and to even work the hard things out for His glory.
What would it look like in your life to commit your work and plans to the Lord? How do you understand God’s plan being “lived out” in your life as you begin 2020?
Frank Alioto serves as a chaplain with Central Peninsula Hospital and Central Emergency Services and as a pastor with Roots Family Church in Soldotna.
• Frank Alioto, For the Peninsula Clarion
