GOD has the last word

Mortals make elaborate plans, but GOD has the last word. Humans are satisfied with whatever looks good; GOD probes for what is good. Put GOD in charge of your work, then what you've planned will take place. Proverbs 16:1-3 The Message

Three big truths in these verses:

1. GOD has the last word

2. GOD probes for what is good

3. Put GOD in charge of your work

Truths that are quite contradictory to what the world around us promotes. 

How often do we want to have the last word? Whether with our spouse, our friends, in our workplace, or God? We want to be heard and understood. We want control. Total control. But that is not how life works when we become a Christian. We give our lives to Christ. We invite Him to become Lord of our lives. We make the decision to willingly let Jesus have the last word in every area of our lives. 

How quickly we can forget that we made that decision and what it actually means for our every day life. We slip back in to taking control, making our plans, doing things our way, and then get so disappointed when it doesn't work out. Let's always remember,

Jesus has the last word on everything and everyone, from angels to armies. He's standing right alongside God, and what he says goes. 1 Peter 3:22 The Message

Looking good vs looking for good. The scriptures clearly tell us where God's focus is.

All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits (the thoughts and intents of the heart). Proverbs 16:2 AMP

The thoughts and intents of our hearts - God sees them. This has been a challenging concept for me over the past few weeks as I have become more and more aware of a not-so-good attitude that was taking hold in my heart, causing resentment and dissatisfaction with my life. I had completely lost sight of all God has done for me, starting with my salvation. It has been a daily challenge to take those thoughts captive and pray through this wrong attitude, asking God for forgiveness and to create a clean heart in me.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit. Psalm 51:10-12 AMP

It has been a humbling time, reminding me how dangerous it is for our well-being when we go down our own track of looking at our circumstances rather than keeping focus on God. 

'Take charge of your life and make the change' - a common mantra in today's world. Taking charge of your life may sound like a reasonable plan, until circumstances come and you cannot actually take charge of your life. Especially circumstances that no other human has the power or ability to change. Then what do you do - who takes charge then?

But even when you are taking charge and things are seemingly going well - how do you know that this is the best path for your life? Could there be a better path with a better outcome? 

Roll your works upon the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed. Proverbs 16:3 AMP

Submitting to God's way is always best, sometimes we just need a heart adjustment (easier said than done, I know).

He who deals wisely and heeds (God's) word and counsel shall find good, and whoever leans on, trusts in, and is confident in the Lord - happy, blessed, and fortunate is he. Proverbs 16:20 AMP

Question for today, as you read three truths, does the Holy Spirit speak to you about one in particular?

1. GOD has the last word

2. GOD probes for what is good

3. Put GOD in charge of your work

If so, take some time to meditate on it and ask the Holy Spirit what He wants to show or teach you. Whatever the revelation, listen, give thanks and let it draw you closer to God. Let Him have the last word.