22 June 2021 - Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans

Ecclesiastes 9:11 (NWT) I have seen something further under the sun, that the swift do not always win the race, nor do the mighty win the battle, nor do the wise always have the food, nor do the intelligent always have the riches, nor do those with knowledge always have success, because time and unexpected events overtake them all.

There is no guarantee of success because there are so many unpredictable circumstances in life, regardless of one’s qualifications. The last line of the verse, “because time and unexpected events overtake them all” indicates that the attributes listed — swiftness, strength, wisdom, understanding, and skill — will not necessarily bring a desirable outcome because time and unexpected events can prevent success.

Things happen. Unforeseen events and tragedies make life unpredictable. This doesn’t mean that God is out of control, but rather we cannot forecast everything in life. Life has a way of throwing us curveballs. While things are somewhat predictable, there are events, circumstances and tragedies that come our way when we least expect it.

James 4:13 (NLT) 13 “Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” 14 How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. 15 What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” 16 Otherwise you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil. 17 Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

“If it’s the Lord’s will”. Many years ago, people used to add the initials “D.V.” when writing letters that included future appointments. The initials stood for the words Deo Volente meaning “God willing.” Paul used this statement often in his writings. Paul was sensitive to the Lord’s direction. Sometimes, our problem is we want our will to be God’s will. Do we really seek God’s direction in the things we do? We want so badly for God to be on our side that we fail to really listen to him. When we sincerely seek God’s will in our plans we will succeed.

Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

Proverbs 16:3 (ERV) “Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.”

If God is at the centre of your plans, then whatever you set out to do, will be a success.