Devise v. Direct!

Devise v. Direct!

A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps. Proverbs 16:9 KJV

As I read today's extract, I am reminded again of God's view of the human heart- referred to as 'deceitful above all things and desperately wicked'. This is the same heart that today's extract refers to as devising its own way. Of course, if a heart is deceitful and wicked, what do you expect such a heart to produce? The word 'devise' gives an image of planning, elaboration or to contrive something. It could be either positive or negative plans, but it shows that the heart is capable of planning. What today's extract is not guaranteeing is that those plans will line up with God's perfect will and purpose.

Since the fall of man, man's plans have always been about his own selfish interests and not God's will. The natural man does not naturally desire what God desires. Man will always seek his own way, and his plans would always align with his own way, but when such a man has encountered God, there is a fundamental shift in focus, as well as pursuits, priorities and purpose. The natural man will pursue what he wants, not necessarily what he actually needs, but the man who has met with God would want God's perfect will to be done.

And that is the essence of the second part of today's extract. A man will devise his ways, with no assurance of success. However, when God directs his steps, he is sure and certain to succeed because now, he is guided by the God of absolute knowledge and one in total control of the ends of the earth. We are talking about the One who has the human heart in His hands and can direct it like a watercourse wherever He pleases. It is good to make plans, but it is also good to note that God is not bound to accept and uphold your plans, especially if they do not line up with his own plans for you. I will do well to make the approach to God and seek His view before I go all out to make plans. I will do well to hand over my heart to Him so He can deal with the pretence and hypocrisy that is common to the human heart. Whatever is handed over to Him is safe; whatever He controls thrives. His time of favour is here.