The Art of Planning

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

-Jeremiah 29:11
A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

-Proverbs 16:9
There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

-Proverbs 19:21

God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God

Psalms 62:11

Isn’t it good to know that God is always in control?
At the start of 2015, many of us made big plans.

Plans for ourselves, plans for our health, plans for our money and plans for our ministry.
And for many of us, these were big intricate plans, with deadlines and time constraints. But as we come to the end of June, the mid-way point of 2015, a lot of us are asking the same questions:
“Where has all the time gone and what has happened to my plans?”
Each and every month, we try to spend time intricately planning our lives and we find ourselves completely overwhelmed (or underwhelmed) by the lack of progress in the same areas. And this leads to disappointment (Proverbs 13:12)
Don’t get me wrong, plans are great but oftentimes we feel confusion about plans that we regard as complex.

No matter what the situation, God is in control. We must remember that God is the God of the complex AND of the simple – but He doesn’t want us to worry about the complex.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

(Philippians 4:6)
So we should rejoice in the simple and let God take care of the complex things in our lives.
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

(Matthew 6:31-32)
Complex plans often brings worry and confusion but God doesn’t want that. The encouragement today is to not let the complex things in your life dominate your mind or worry you.

So here is our challenge as Christians – to look at the simple things we do understand and rejoice in those simple things.
What are the simple goals in your life that needs to be achieved?

What are your plans to achieve it?
Break down your long term goals into small, easy to track goals and use the bible to encourage you.
I like the way Paul ends 1 Thessalonians 5:
14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

16 Rejoice evermore.

17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

19 Quench not the Spirit.

20 Despise not prophesyings.

21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
Why not take a verse and apply it to one of your plans? Let this be your guide from July through to December – no matter what the issue. Whether you are facing a complex simplicity or a simple complexity, do plan, do rejoice but just don’t worry!