Commit thy works unto the LORD, And thy thoughts shall be established. Proverbs 16:3 KJV
The Context and Contention:
I note that today's extract says I should commit my 'works' unto the Lord, not my prior thoughts or the intentions and motives of my heart. I consider this and realise that my 'works' are the visible expressions of my inner thoughts, intentions and motives. There are times when my actions are deemed right by some people, whilst others will deem my actions wrong. I realise I really cannot please all of the people all of the time, but because of who I am, who I belong to and who I serve, I need to be sure that the basis for my 'works' are right before the only One whose view matters. Too many times, we have allowed the applause or disapproval of men to dictate our 'works', and because God cannot be deceived, the 'works' do not always satisfy God's requirements for impact. Yes, lives may be touched and even changed, because God decides to use the 'works' for his glory. I must rid myself of all desires to please man, and simply seek to please God with all that He requires me to do.
That is the bit about committing my 'works' to the Lord. I am telling God that I want my life to impact other people under his leadership and guidance. I do not want to live for my own pleasure, or under any pressure to conform to the world's standards, but to live for the fulfilment of God's purpose for my life. This is the product of a life that is fully committed to God. It is equally also important who you commit your works unto. This is a picture of giving it all up and letting go; not dragging or seeking to share control with God. Interestingly, 'commit' is defined in two places as: ' pledged or bound to a certain course or policy; dedicated' and 'denoting a long-term emotional relationship'. You cannot truly commit to anyone you have not spent time knowing and trusting; this is why knowing God for myself is my greatest discovery. Commitment takes sacrifice; it is not something you do for a while and stop; you must be ready for the long game. It is a lifelong assignment. Does this describe you and I?
The Conclusion and Closure:
Interestingly also, the issue of my thoughts then follow. You have to wonder: why would I first commit my 'works' to the Lord, so that he can then establish my thoughts? Actually, the thoughts control the works, and if God will be glorified by my works, he has to be the One controlling the thoughts. At the heart of what I do is who defines the seeds of my actions. If God controls the works, it is because He already has control of the inner man. If I can trust God to help me think right, then He will help me to do right. Before I act, I listen for divine guidance, and on a daily basis, I trust God to lead me in line with His will. That which I think becomes all that God desires; I seek to please him in all ways. I lay out my life for Him to lead as He pleases, so that my life becomes a platform for the display of His grace, power, mercy and nature. Both the inner and the outer man align; there is no confusion. This is the best use of my life: living to glorify God and make Him known publicly. He will glorify Himself in me, and make me a blessing to the generation He has planted me in. God's time of favour is here.
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