Proverbs 19:21
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There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.
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The wicked say, "Who is lord over us?" (Ps 12:4). But the LORD is lord over them all! They cannot do a thing without God's counsel having approved it in eternity past. Glory!
If you dislike this fact, dear reader, you should have chosen birth in another universe with a different god. But if this incredible choice was made for you - and all other important choices affecting your life - humble yourself now and worship your glorious Sovereign.
Wicked men invent and devise evil things all day and night in the perverse wrath of their souls (16:30; Ps 35:20; Micah 2:1; Rom 1:30), but the LORD governs it all for His own praise (Ps 76:10). The only wrath of man allowed to exist is what He has chosen to use.
So let us say, "If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that" (James 4:15). We cannot assume living tomorrow, for it is out of our hands (27:1). You will not brush your teeth tonight without His counsel, for even sparrows do not move outside it (Matt 10:29).
Does daily news of oppression and wickedness in our perverse world bother you? There is a Sovereign higher than they (Eccl 5:8), and He is using them like puppets (Is 10:15).
What if enemies conspire against you? What if they have power to do you great harm? The counsel of the LORD, that shall stand! He laughs at all enemies (Psalm 21:7-13).
Does the havoc that Satan wrought in Job's life trouble you? He was no more than a puppet in the total control of your Sovereign LORD (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6). Fear God!
But what of good devices? Dear reader, devise plans in your heart with holy fear, and He will direct your steps to the perfect ending of your desire (16:9; Ps 37:4; 84:11). Ruth devised gleaning for a living, but God's counsel was for Boaz to marry her (Ruth 2:2-3).
What of chance events? Even the lot is entirely under His rule (16:33), and He directed an arrow shot at a venture to a slight crack in a disguised king's armor (I Kings 22:34).
What of prayer? His eternal counsel included your prayers, so pray with fervent faith, and He will answer you presently by that same counsel (16:1; Ps 10:17; Is 38:1-5; Phil 2:13).
Do you have plans today? Will they happen? Unless the counsel of the LORD included your plans in His plan for your day, they will not happen. Only His counsel will stand!
www.letgodbetrue.com
