Planning

Commit thy works unto Jehovah, And thy plans shall be established

Proverbs 16:3

This verse is curious, because it reverses the natural progression of work. Normally we make plans and the work results from those plans. This verse reverses this order and asks us to first commit our work to God who  subsequently guarantees our plans.We are wired to plan. But in our planning we don't always place Him first. Solomon encourages us to enthrone Him in our daily work, and assures us that He  will establish or set up or erect our plans. Our little steps taken in obedience to His commands leads us into all of His plans for us. 

This is a curious reversal of the order. It uncaps the origin  of our cherished dreams. We plan, yearn and strive for a result. The end result is something that the corporate world instructs us to be SMART about. Our goals should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely. Of late they have asked us to be SMARTER  (with the addition of Evaluate and Revaluate).

Not detracting from the importance having smart or smarter goals, the Bible has much advice on making wise plans with counsel. Planning is one of the characteristics of the wise person. However, there is an essential  heart attitude that takes precedence over the  plan. This essential ingredient is the awareness of God in all our  planning. This ingredient is an all encompassing obedience and awareness of God in all our works. This attitude places us squarely at His feet, where no plans can ever hatch or germinate which are not subservient to His principles. This is the smartest way to plan, at the feet of the Master.

And you know what, He is the one who stands guarantor for our plans.

That is very reassuring.

Wisdom

Oswald Chambers writes in his devotional "My utmost for his highest"... "Beware of becoming wise and prudent".

Wisdom is much sought after, and most of mans life is spent in its pursuit. Neither does he detract from its importance. Occasionally the search can enthrone the goal, and displace God. He writes that all of His revelations are opened to us by obedience. The treasure is unlocked by obedience.

How often we ask for more clarity, and plead for more wisdom, while we sit on our clasped hands, hindering the answer to our desires.

Mountains

Psalm 125:1,2 The Lord surrounds his people now and evermore

Mountains are a persistant reminder of presence. They never move, or go away. They may be hidden, occasionally, by fog or clouds. They may be covered with snow. But they never, ever go away. Living amidst mountains, one can almost feel their towering presence, a testament without words.

How comforting that our Lords presence is likened to mountains.

Following

Oswald Chambers in his "Utmost for His Highest" says, "We slander God by our eagerness to work for him, without knowing Him." A real danger on the road to service is busyness. Being busy detracts from spending time with Him. It is impossible to know Him without having time for Him.