A Simple Plan for Success

“Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.”
(Prov. 16:3)

                Everyone is guilty of getting the cart in front of the horse from time to time.  For instance, we start planning vacations before we’ve determined how to pay for them.  We start thinking of all we’ll do upon graduation without making sure that every assignment is complete.  In regard to today’s verse, we often like to define our own version of success while creating a plan to get us there.  But sadly, we put the cart in front of the horse by laying out a host of plans before seeking the will of God.

                King Solomon wants to help get our priorities right.  Everyone desires to be “successful,” but we need to start with the right definition of success.  If your idea of success only includes material, financial, vocational, or relational prosperity, then you’re already off on the wrong foot.  Solomon invites you to “commit your works to the Lord.”  In other words, we need to start with God rather than ending with Him.  But let’s be honest – too often we’re guilty of creating a mess then asking God to bless our mess.

                “Commit your work to the Lord” – that means start with prayer, Bible study, and seeking the counsel of godly men and women in your church who can direct you to seek the Lord.  Once you’ve dedicated yourself to honor God in all you do, then true success is inevitable.  “Your thoughts will be established” – as you fall in love with God, His plans will become your plans, and we know God is going to accomplish His will.  As Jesus said, “Seek FIRST His kingdom and His righteousness” (Matt. 6:33).