I am the Lord, and there is no other;
apart from me there is no God.
I will strengthen you,
though you have not acknowledged me,
so that from the rising of the sun
to the place of its setting
people may know there is none besides me.
I am the Lord, and there is no other.
I form the light and create darkness,
I bring prosperity and create disaster;
I, the Lord, do all these things. (Isa 45:5-7)
Before we start any project, before we lay out our plans, we must choose who we will acknowledge as Lord. Are we the lord of our plans, or is God the Lord of our project?
For many are the plans in a person’s heart; but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails (Prov 19:21).
The plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations (Psalm 33:11).
Business plans and projects at work, church programs and plans, are all part and parcel of God’s plan of redemption and restoration.
We have the joyful privilege to choose to walk with God and acknowledge Jesus as Lord of these plans and projects.
When we see our plans in the workplace or in Christian ministry as part of God’s context, part of accomplishing God’s eternal purposes, then the project and plan does not need to become all consuming. Instead, we have the opportunity to align with God’s priorities and to bring honor and glory to God (1 Cor 10:31; Rev 4:11).
When we make Jesus the Lord of our plans, our confidence in completing our plans does not rest in our ability alone, but in in our personal relationship with God, our covenant-keeping Savior and his grace and faithfulness. God who helped Abraham, Moses and all men and women of faith throughout history accomplish the plans he laid on their heart will help us accomplish the plans he has laid on our heart.
When we ask Jesus to be the Lord of our plans, our focus shifts from finding joy in completing the project or plan to finding joy in walking with God and keeping God’s commands.
The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous.
They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.
By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward
(Psalm 19:7-11).
Thought for the day
What is bringing you joy today?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for you for the grace you have shown me. Great is your faithfulness, oh God my Father! Jesus, fill me today with joy! Holy Spirit grant me wisdom and strength to walk in obedience to all you have commanded, as I faithfully do my work. Amen.
