This week’s verse? I spent too many years living it in reverse. My version went something like this:
Commit your plans to paper,
and hope the Lord likes them.
Of course, God’s Word says just the opposite. His version is the right one, the one that matters:
Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3
Commit to the Lord whatever you do,… Proverbs 16:3
Donna chose Proverbs 16:3 as her favorite: “Prayer first is a mighty force when guidance and direction is needed.” Exactly so.
This is how we roll, sisters. We pray.
Now, get ready for a big, juicy aha: the words “commit” (ASV) and “trust” (NLV) and “share” (CEV) and “depend” (EXB) and “show” (WYC) and “lay open” (DRA) are all fine translations, but the original Hebrew gives us the best word picture of all.
Galal means “to roll.” To physically roll something away from you. To release it. As my friend, Karen Ehman, says, “Let. It. Go.”
Imagine rolling your “work” (NLV), your “efforts” (GW), your “activities” (HCSB) off your shoulders and onto His. Think of laying your daily burdens at His feet. Picture entrusting your loved ones to His care. Envision releasing your long to-do list to Him, then letting Him put things in order and check off each item for you. Done.
That’s what this verse from Proverbs asks us to do. “Roll your works upon the Lord” (AMP). Trust Him to guide you from one task to the next, according to His best plan for you. Put your faith in His choices for your day. Let go of the need to control. every. minute.
Stop measuring a productive day by what you have accomplished, and celebrate what God has accomplished in and through you.
…and he will establish your plans. Proverbs 16:3
Jeanne held onto this verse while planning her oldest daughter’s wedding. “Whenever I got overwhelmed with all the details, I repeated Proverbs 16:3, reminding myself that her special day belonged to the Lord, and I dedicated it to Him. The result was a day beyond my expectations, filled with delight and joy overflowing.”
Wish we’d been there, Jeanne. Always a joy to watch God work.
In Hebrew, His plans, His “purposes” (ASV) for us are kun, or “firm.” God leaves nothing to chance or whim. What we call interruptions, God calls perfect timing. What we consider mistakes, He considers lessons.
Before your plans are ever written or spoken, they are thoughts. That’s the exact meaning of the Hebrew word, chashab. God doesn’t wait until you’ve done something to get involved. He is in your heart and in your thought processes from the beginning. We’re talking the very beginning, beloved.
Because of His boundless love, your “thoughts shall be directed” (DRA) by Him, and “He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will” (AMP).
Wait. Is this like brainwashing? No, this is more like heart cleansing (Hebrews 10:12). God assures us everything “will work out well” (NLV), according to His plan for us. So, our “planning will succeed” (ISV) because God is alive and at work in our hearts, minds, and actions.
Laurie loves Proverbs 16:3 because it reminds her “to commit my actions and plans to further God’s kingdom, and not my own agenda.” So well said. And Betsy’s beautiful thought? “May God guide me always to be at work in His will.”
Heavenly Father, in this busy season of making a list and checking it twice, help us lay down our pens and our plans, and seek You in our prayers. Guide our thoughts, so they are in alignment with Yours. Give us the courage to say no to overspending and yes to spending more time with You. Let Your light shine in the darkness of our days. Let Your love shine in our works and on our faces.
Now it’s your turn
- What do you need to roll onto the Lord’s shoulders right now?
Sometimes typing our thoughts onto the screen literally gets the ball rolling. Please click Post a Comment below and share what’s on your mind.
As a special thank-you for being one of my faithful readers, each time you post a comment on my blog from now through December 31, 2014 (one comment per post, just to be fair), you’ll be entered to win a special custom-made gift from Lizzie which features Your #1 Favorite Proverb of the year!
Of course, if I show you these items, I’ll be spilling the beans. So…trust me? They are lovely. Minutes before midnight on New Year’s Eve, I’ll chose 10 comments at random and give away 5 silvery necklaces and 5 colorful prints, both with Proverbs __:__ on them.
As always, your Printable of Proverbs 16:3 awaits you, as do all our favorite Proverbs on Pinterest.
So excited about spending December with you!
Your grateful sister, Liz
@LizCurtisHiggs #50Proverbs
For readers who love a romantic time and place: A Wreath of Snow
For children who love a heartwarming story: The Pine Tree Parable
For friends who love being encouraged: The Women of Christmas
thank you so much for this God is convicting me I am a worry wart sp the thought of rolling it all on Him is wonder ful. Also thanks for exposing the wrong interpreting of this verse ie, commit my plans and God will accept them May we all be so blessed by laying it all on Him
I’m with you, Lin. The idea of rolling it onto His shoulders helps me “see” it in my mind and then do it in my spirit. If only I would stop trying to pull those worries back on my own rounded shoulders!?! Thanks for sharing.
What you said about letting our light shine in the darkness of our days encouraged me today. The last couple days have been rough and I am not handling things well with my recovery of my broken leg. I’ve been having increased pain in my arms which makes it hard to transfer in and out of my wheelchair. I’m not handling things well because I’ve taken the concerns back, instead of letting the Lord handle them. I did have tremendous peace when I was in the hospital because I had turned it over to Him. So please pray with me that I will roll everything over to Him again. Thanks Liz
Honored to pray with you and for you, Becky. It’s so hard to be in pain ANY day of the year, but especially tough during the holidays. Lord Jesus, strengthen our sister!
Liz – I love your writing. I’ve loved the Proverbs series. I am in a difficult place right now … I need to trust God with my 12 year old son. He was recently diagnosed with Crohn’s, and my husband and I are grieving deeply, but still praying for a miracle. Please pray that we have wisdom on the best way to treat our son and we find the right doctor for his success. Thank you.
Praying with you on this right now, Julie. For your peace, for your son’s care, for the right doctor, and above all, for God’s comfort and guidance to be REAL to you, every day.
Julie ,
I am writing because my son was twelve-years-old when he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. I have been where you are now.
But I can give you hope. We found a wonderful pediatric gastroenterologist at the Medical College in our state and he helped our son control the disease. He is now thirty-six-years-old and is doing well.
He ran in a 5-k this past weekend. God is good and do put your son in His capable hands because He will help you and your husband through the dark days and He will give you hope. I pray that one day you will be able to give encouragement to the mother of another Crohn’s patient.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and this selection in particular. I love the way you break it down and knowing the literal Hebrew translation is great. To literally roll your cares off your own shoulders and on to God’s is both humbling and amazing.
I was SO excited to discover that truth, hidden in the original Hebrew. Yes, “humbling and amazing” is right, Sharon!
I’m guilty of telling the Lord my plans and asking for His blessing. I need to pray and ask His guidance so that he will be glorified. This has been coming up alot in things I’ve read and listening to this week. Guess He’s trying to tell me something 🙂 Thanks for the added reminder!!
Happy to be another voice, whispering in your ear, AmyJo!
I am giving God a difficult relationship. A relationship affected by alcohol, deep fear, and brokenness. I ask Him to heal this person, and let them know He is near… because I cannot be.
Oh, Michelle. Clearly this is very difficult for you. I’m proud of you for trusting your relationship, and your broken heart, to the Lord who loves you SO much. You are in good hands, dear sister.
Thank you, Liz.
Please pray for me, if you would.
My husband had a head injury last Monday. After his ct scan came back clean, we thought everything was fine. Saturday, he saw “fireworks” in his peripheral vision. Back to the ER. We were told its not related to the head injury but it is a symptom of detached retina and he needs an ophthalmologist. Not only is my husband’s health an issue, finances also become an issue if he would need to be off work. It would be easy to sit and worry but I’m trusting God to lead, provide, and deliver, as He has always done and will continue to do.
I excel at sitting and worrying, Jaime, so I absolutely get that. Good for you, to trust in the Lord. He never fails. Praying for your husband’s health and those financial challenges…and your peace of mind through it all.
Jaime,
My mom had the same exact thing happen last May. A fall, head injury, clear CT, but vision problems. It took several months, but she’s made a complete recovery. My father-in-law also, several years ago. I’m praying for you and your husband, for you to be at peace as God directs and provides.
Thank you so much!
God is so good!!!! The ophthalmologist told my husband he’s experiencing ocular migraines due to the head injury. It will clear up on its own. No major issues. No missed work and lost wages. Yay! Praise the Lord!
Hooray! We love hearing the rest of the story, Jaime. Such good news. The perfect Christmas gift!
This came at the perfect time for me! I caught myself worrying about how my second son will get to university next Fall! That’s so far away! I can tend to be a worrier! Thank you for reminding me that if I commit this “problem” to the Lord, He will work it all out! Thanks so much!
Nothing stirs up worry like our children, of any age. Glad God’s Word offered the encouragement you needed, Margie!
What an exciting giveaway, especially for those of us who have studied these 50 Proverbs with you this year ~ anticipation mounts as to which will be #1!!!
Love it, Janet! It’s been wonderful to spend a full day in God’s Word each week, then share what I’ve learned with everyone kind enough to read my posts. Just 5 more to go!
What a wonderful word picture…just keep that stone rolling. I tend to hold on to stress and take responsibility for so many things out of my control. I’ve not been able to sell my house in seven months and finances are getting tight. Yet I know I am blessed beyond measure in that I have a roof over my head and resources to keep it that way. This was such a great reminder that it is in HIS time, not mine.
Love you Miss Liz!
Yay! Always love to see God’s timing at work. You are so wise to focus on what you DO have, instead of fretting over what you DON’T have. God’s on it, Diane. Keep rolling.
Oh, Liz, you’ve been talking to my family and friends, haven’t you!?!! This is so true in my life until three years ago, when God stopped me short. Now I’ve been learning so much about His plans not being mine….thank you for this! Touched me so deeply this morning!
I am having many workplace issues recently but I’m trusting that God is in it. I feel He has shut the door for me here but I await the open window.
I need to roll all the worry, stress and anxiety that I have been carrying and dragging behind me for the past year! And in reading a few of the comments, looks like I’m not the only one. It makes me fell like I’m not alone. Here’s to a change in my life, no worry, no stress, no anxiety just trust!!
I SO needed to hear this today, right now. I just wrote “galal” and put it on my computer. Blessings to you, Liz.
This is just what I needed to hear this morning. I’ve been in constant worry for some time now, as my husband’s health is declining and I am his caretaker. I have fibromyalgia and I am in constant pain all day. Our finances are a challenge to put it mildly, and I feel obligated to buy gifts for al, the family members. I need to give this to the Lord and NOT TAKE IT BACK! I tend to give my problems to Him easily, but then take it back and worry some more.
Broken dreams for our daughters are what I have to roll onto the Lord. Two of them have gone to be with Jesus, and another daughter has a disease with no cure. I know He loves them even more than we do, and we can trust Him, but the sadness of missing them still has to be given to Him as an offering. Thank you for your devotional messages that bring a big “Yes!” of comfort and joy to our hearts!
This is something I try to remind myself every morning. It is so easy to get caught up in the planning and worrying. Husband trying to find a job, daughter applying to college, son on active duty, daughter getting married, and on and on. Thank you for breaking these verses down for us and for your constant encouragement!
This is a favorite verse. As I was praying this morning for God direction in his timing for my daughter and her husband’s second trip to China for the second adoption I just ask the Lord to make the timing of the trip which is this month when it is best for each of us. I will be spending some the the two weeks that they are gone with the two older children and then there is Christmas to shop for and plan for family get together. I don’t want to decide any of this but leave it in God’s hands because he know what is best and I can trust his directions for our lives. Thanks for the input on this verse. Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Liz, for posting these. This was so needed today–with the stress of the holidays, etc, I needed to be reminded what is REALLY important, and give my worry list to the Lord. When I see the needs in the world, I realize that mine are very minimal, and I pray for those all over the world who need Jesus.
God’s timing is amazing. This devotion came on my last day of work before my job ends and two days before surgery. Being reminded to roll my recovery and the next job onto His shoulders is such a blessing. Liz, I love the ‘ah ha’ moments your explanations bring.
Thank you!
This is one verse I need to commit myself to. I carry around so much worry. I know that the Lord will always provide for my family but I have so much trouble rolling it onto him. I guess I think that I am stronger if I carry it. Things work so much better when I can honestly give it to the Lord and know that he is in command.
Liz! I’m sobbing! This verse really got to me. You see God called us to adopt internationally 10 yrs ago and this past fall He finally said “Let’s do this!” My heart has always been on this and now in the midst of Home Study and getting ready for our Dossier paperwork I’m overwhelmed. I don’t know how we will fund this. We have our sweet girls photo plastered everywhere and it breaks my heart. I don’t know how we will get through all the obstacles and be on the other side of this. We truly are walking by faith. Nothing is impossible with God. But my heart is heavy. This verse just made me ask myself “Tammy you know God has called you to this and you know this is His will fit you and that He is walking in it. Maybe your heart is totally convinced because just maybe you haven’t committed (trusted) Him with ALL of it, not just parts you think He needs to handle, but ALL of it!” This verse is an answer to prayer! Thank you Liz!
Thanks, Sissy. I needed this today. I love that you give us the words from different translations as well as the original Hebrew. It makes God’s word so precious. Love you!
Guidance to help our almost 18 year old son make better life choices.
I have so enjoyed this series on 50 favorite proverbs. They have been such an encouragement and blessing to me. I learn something new each week.
June 2014, I gave my life to the Lord. I had made such a mess of my life and since I have been following Jesus, I am receiving so many blessings, too many to list here. It started with giving up 3 addicitons (weed/cigarettes/alcohol) with no withdrawal or further cravings. Then reunited with several family members and making new friends at Church. I just had my second total knee replacement surgery 4 weeks ago and God has been there every step. As I recover, I am excited what He has in store for me in 2014! I love your posts Liz and I am grateful to be one of your sisters in the Lord. God bless and keep you! Hugs, Liz xox
My heart sighed when I read this. It’s exactly what I needed to hear today. There’s 100 things to do on a never ending checklist this time of year. This particular year includes a curious but full of wonder three year old and a teething 7 month old. I need help!!! I’m rolling over my to-do list right now to my Manager! Thanks for the reminder.
Gosh! This is a hard proverb to follow. I am a lover of order and control. I guess the main thing I need to roll onto God’s shoulders is my worries for the future. I am so concerned with what will happen a year from now that I am missing the everyday miracles. My rock has a big “W” on it!
I always love how you weave the Hebrew into your messages. Thanks for that! This verse also reminds me of the quote: Want to make God laugh – Tell Him YOUR plans! (I must have Him in constant giggles…)
We make plans, GOD laughs. I no longer think this is a mean thing or God not caring. After years of mistakes and disappointments I realized we want his plans they are always better. He truly wants the best for us and those plans work out in his time. Oh the lessons we learn. Great news from you Liz. Thanks for always sharing wise words and encouragement.
You wrote this: “Stop measuring a productive day by what you have accomplished, and celebrate what God has accomplished in and through you.”
That hit me hard and I needed that hit.
I have a way of judging my day by the tasks I have completed. My mom just died here at home three weeks ago. She was in bed for most of the last of the last 5 years. She had dementia and a lot of care was needed. But at the end of the day I was hard on myself and still am because I am exhausted and see so much that needs done.
But God has been tenderly calling me to spend time with Him. I have so neglected it. So I am going to do that, listen to what others need with an encouraging word and spend time praying.
Thanks for sharing this…BTW the quote is now on my fridge!
take a break. God blesses your care of your mother. You will have the gift of no regrets. Rest up then look at your to do list. You can’t do if you are too tired and just do what is needed. The rest will take care of its self.
Let’s Roll!
This series has been such an inspiration and so are you! This has been a trying year but God is in control. Looking forward to 2015. Blessings to you! Linda text
I have a daughter who has been in jail for the last couple of years. There are many concerns that I need to “roll off my shoulders and onto God’s”. She is due to be released December 30 and I know that she needs to depend on God but I can’t do it for her – she has to have a personal relationship with him as well.
Hi Liz
Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’.
How big is our God?
Big enough to take all my rollin’, plus the rollin’ of all our sisters around the globe.
Thanks for reminding me what a great and caring God we share.
“Commit your plans to paper, and hope the Lord likes them.” Well, I certainly identify with writing the plans on paper–I keep a calendar with my daily to-do list. Once my son asked about my notation to visit my father being on my to-do list–I just want to make sure it doesn’t get forgotten (but crossing completed tasks off the list sure provides a sense of accomplishment). However, on to the task at hand: You asked “What do you need to roll onto the Lord’s shoulders right now?” As this holiday season barges in, I think I need to put my lack of excitement, lack of enthusiasm, lack of real interest on Him–in fact, I haven’t been listening to any of the radio stations playing Christmas music, so in the car I’m basically listening just to classic rock. I received a copy of John Piper’s THE DAWNING OF INDESTRUCTIBLE JOY (Daily Readings for Advent). I’ve used Ephesians 3:14-19 to pray for myself & am looking for Him to restore true joy this Christmas.
Sometimes I think we are afraid to commit our plans to God. He may have something different in mind for us and we think we have it all figured out already. I am struggling with this right now.
Like many of the other comments, I really like the image of rolling our plans and worries onto the Lord! It is always a good reminder that He is more than willing to guide us and also more than able to handle our worries!
Hi Liz, your blog is the first thing I read, after I said a quick prayer for my husband. I just got off the phone with him. He is being attacked at work in a extreme case of false accusation. He has striven hard to do his management job honorably and honestly, but this person has relentless accused him of wrong for months now. We just don’t know how far this person is willing to take things, and it is unnerving. After reading your teaching it has reminded me of God’s great power, and how we can rest in His plan, even in the midst of a trial. I am praying this powerful truth for my husband today-that he will keep on doing what is right, at the cost of suffering greatly. And, praying for this lost soul that is acting out against him that she would come to Christ’s freedom from her sin. I am gladdened in heart, and uplifted in spirit by this verse. Praise God for how He “rolls” out his purposes. That from this chaos, He will bring peace!
Thank you Liz, for explaining the verses in such an understandable and complete way! May we all seek God for His plans for our lives. Roll on sisters!
Rolling my worries about family health, jobs and school onto Jesus! Thank you for your teachings, Liz. Just reading these helps me breathe some days! xo
I remember as a child being reminded by Mom to wait on the Lord and God always did a better job than I could do. It always amazes me how great things turn out when I do it with His will.
Thanks for the”roll onto His shoulders ” Good Word. It will help me let go of a wayward sister that I would like to see come back to Christ. Leaving her at His feet is the best place for her.
Your teaching has made for a very rich year in the Lord.
I hate to admit it, but your version of Proverbs 16:3 is often times my version too. When will I ever learn?
I always look forward to what each Proverb will be about & truly get something of value from each posting. Thanks for being there for us ladies & sharing your thoughts about the best Proverbs.
I will be taking a group of Boy Scouts cabin camping in the next couple of weeks and those plans definitely need to be rolled onto the Lord!
Oh, Lizzie, I wish this wasn’t so easy to answer. My attitude. My in-a-funk, focus-on-me, pity-party attitude. Love your study of this Proverb, as always!
God’s timing with this verse is great. Was praying for 2 special sisters, each having different kinds of stressful situations to deal with today. When I read this I immediately forwarded this to them and in short time received messages of how much it meant to them at dealing with situations they were facing. 2 sisters, 2 different situations, 2 different locations, One God giving His Words to encourage us at the exact time of need. Thank you so much for helping us learn to roll it onto the Lord. Blessings to you sister.
I have enjoyed reading your weekly posts about our favorite Proverbs. God has used them to speak to my heart. Thank you for being faithful to His call on your life! God bless you and Merry Christmas!
Oh man, I’ve been so convicted about this very issue lately…mostly in small things (which, as we know add up to be very big!)…where did I put that? Oh no, did I really lose my credit card? How is that schedule going to work out…etc. etc. etc . The Lord has proven himself faithful each time I roll those small burdens on Him! Thanks, Liz, for a very apropos scripture for this season!
I need to roll my daughter on to the Lord, trusting God to guide and guard her as she walks the road alone, after her husband left her for someone else.
Just today my study group was talking about our feet being set on solid rock. Well, that firm foundation can also be God’s mighty shoulders. That makes me glad!
This verse is a good reminder to me that I need to stop planning and worrying so much and turn everything over to God. I’m hoping to retire next year and am praying that God will reveal His plans for me in this exciting new time in my life. I want to be and do what He wants me to. Hard to let go and let God!
I love the “safe” feel of this verse and the reality that we can invite God into the centre of our hopes and plans.
Everything! I like the imagery that roll brings to mind.
“Let it roll” I love that picture because I picture a large stone as my burden and feel rolling it away is going to be easier than trying to push it back too me. I am the “fix it girl” and ultimate planner. Thank you for this amazing reminder that I am not going to be the one to fix my family. I must roll their life over to my Precious Lord and allow Him to work His power and miracles!!
Thank you for letting God speak to me through you and His word once again, Liz! How I needed this reminder! Busy season is an understatement right now with my daughters: Nutcracker performances, college applications, auditions, a possible move in the near future with a new home and new job to look for…. Oh, and did someone mention that Christmas is coming?! My plans, my agenda, my to-do list- overwhelming! I needed that reminder that it is not about me and my family, it is about Him! I need to refocus on Him and “roll” it on to Him, trust Him, and commit it to Him, and watch Him do the miracles! Amen!
Talk about God’s perfect timing! Through your beautiful explanation of His word I feel such clarity. How much lighter our days can be if we hold this message in our hearts. I’m a new follower of your blog, and can only say I’m thankful to be here! Thank you Liz!
oh, my favorite one yet!!
Thank you, again, Liz for this reminder that we cannot run our own lives and get away with it! 🙂 Every time I try to “be my own God”, nothing works and I find myself feeling ashamed, inadequate, and depressed. One of these times, God will help me to “get it” but, until then, I know He is still working on me and in me and that is so reassuring. LOVE that He pointed me to you, Liz! Thank you for your ministry! Blessings to you today! 🙂
God’s timing is so perfect! Thank you for shining a bright light into His word. I’m new to your blog, and I’m so thankful to be here. This message has left me “ready to roll”! Thank you Liz!
Love this Proverb! I need to ‘roll’ my family, my family and more of my family onto the LORD’s shoulders! 🙂 God can take care of them all!
Bless you Liz!
This is such an amazing time of year. It’s a time to ponder the true meaning of the season, not the commercial. I love this Proverb as it fits so well in our lives of busyness. I am most grateful for this study as it brings so much forth that we are all in need of. Prayer does accomplish so much, and if we begin with prayer, things usually go well. May you and yours enjoy the true spirit of Christmas, and I’ll be waiting for your next novel. I loved all of them. Love, Peace and Joy, Blanche.
Wonderful – now I have the answer to my dilemma re my daughter’s forth coming wedding. I hope for an amazing day, too. Not a living nightmare. Let the good times roll. Yay.
It’s God’s timing that I read hadn’t read this before this evening, Liz. I finally just let go today and have placed it all in His hands. I’ve had some big expenses lately and I’m one of those worry warts that just can’t let go and trust in Him to take care of me. So today was the day! It’s in His hands and I am just letting go. I feel so much lighter!!!! Thanks for being with us, Lizzie. Love you:)
Finally sat down tonight with you and our Proverbs , loved catching up after the busy holiday! His word and your way of helping use it and understand it always gives me a peace and feeling of letting it go and giving it all to Him. I am so blessed and fortunate and thankful everyday for so many blessings. I “laugh and roll” with my Savior who makes every day a miracle ! Always encouraged,,,,,, Love you Liz!!!!!! Xo
This was very timely! Thank you for the reminder to give or roll my plans onto the Lord and let him direct what he wants me to accomplish not what I think I need to get done.
Leaving my adult children and husband in the Lords hands! The good work He began in them Will be completed until the day of the Lord Jesus Christ! Lord I lay down at Your throne the hearts of my loved ones, knowing that even though I don’t see the work You are doing…You are working in their lives to bring them back to You. Put a watch over my lips and a guard on my mouth so that I don’t say anything that would separate them from You. Let my words be Your Words and let the timing be all Yours and if I am to say nothing…lock my lips tight and trust in You completely! I love You Lord. Amen
Liz I just finished A Wreath Of Snow and I loved it! What a redeeming story, it really filled my heart with remembrance to be always forgiving towards those in my life, helping me see that there are always two sides to a tragic story. Has helped me pray more and more for those who were involved in the death of my sweet, youngest daughter Stefanie, who died at age 21 in 2009. I needed the reminder once again, to extend grace, love and forgiveness. A much needed message for my heart at this time of year when the pain can sometimes flood me and I slip back into the flesh and forget the grace given me from my precious Lord and Savior!
Every year I plan out a bunch of New Year’s resolutions and within weeks, I give them up. So, I’ve decided to try something new and focus on just one word. Intuition is telling me that 2015 is going to be a year of many changes, one of which will be a possible move for the family. This blog post was God whispering to me. “Galal” will be my word. To release. Release my past; release the burden I’ve been carrying because of it. Release possessions and clutter that I don’t love. Release my expectations of a “perfect” and “well planned” life. I plan and plan and plan my days and ALWAYS something comes up to change it. Then I get behind and stressed out. I need to release what I’m holding onto so I can receive God’s gifts. I want to be able to let it go and walk into 2015 eager to see what God has planned, not what I have planned. I had a whole different word planned out until I happened to come across this post. (See? Already learning!)
I stumbled upon your blog as I was looking around for a study on Ruth. God is always on time as I sit here a little discouraged, and stressed but provides me with your sweet words of encouragement and most importantly the words from Prov 16:3. I took a position at OMS here locally in Greenwood, IN by the Lord’s leading expecting so much more to happen, but instead find myself frustrated, confused, and a little stressed. Also with our daughter getting married on Dec 13th, and Christmas right around the corner..seems as though I needed a little help from the Lord to lay down my burdens and let Him take the load. Thank you for the nice reminder and for obeying the Lord as you post your thoughts in this blog. Now I leave this blog much lighter than before. May God bless.
Thank you for sharing your insight and Biblical truth and wisdom. I need to “roll” on the Lord my husband’s upcoming brain wave tests to determine if he has dementia.
Even before your give away announcement I need to roll off my fatigue and my husbands NNEW disability as well as we adjust to my TBI and now his partial blindness in both eyes and other after effects we were told today came during a surgical error for a neck surgery. So we are thankful. For help. But weary. Tired. And this was acgood proverb for me today
Liz,
somehow I missed your post until today. It is truly touching and helped to remind me that I am not in control .
After my dad passed away last Christmas I find myself doing everything more carefully and slowly this year. I don’t feel as rushed to follow a deadline or guideline. And for the first time in a long time, it’s not really worry some. And I’m taking the time to make more of my gifts. So I believe in my heart that i’m being guided along the way.
Thank-you so much for your always thoughtful, inspiring posts,,,,
blessings to you….
Penny
This is exactly what I needed to hear today! Thank you!
Dear Liz, Wow – this is what I needed to hear today. I love the way that you go back and go through to share the “roots” of the words that are used in each verse’s particular Bible translation. That opens up so much rich meaning to the verse at hand. Thank you for such an encouraging message. Merry and blessed Christmas season to you and yours.
Starting tomorrow, I’m going to dedicate each day to the Lord!!! I want his guidance throughout the day so I make godly choices!!! I never surrendered each day to Him. His plans are far better than mine!!! LOL
I am having a hard time giving a person over to God who does not believe. We have tried through the years to help him get his education, get a job and care for his young family in India. But he doesn’t believe because so many bad things happen, keep happening in his life. He speaks of suicide and now no longer takes our calls. Heartbreaking from a distance.
Liz, thanks so much for diving deep into these proverbs. This one is a favorite of mine. And you have just pulled out so much meat from it and place it on a plate in my heart. Thank you for your questions, your searching, your passion for finding God’s treasure and sharing it with us!
Liz, surely what you do is living proof of Proverbs 16:3. His plans, indeed. Such liberation to hand it all to Him! And look what He does through you.
Are you familiar with the writings of Eric Milner-White? You may already know this piece from him, which speaks to my heart with every reading and recollection:
“Enter my heart, O Holy Spirit. Come in blessed mercy and set me free. Throw open, O Lord, the locked doors of my mind. O Holy Spirit, very God, whose presence is liberty, grant me the perfect freedom to be thy servant today, tomorrow, evermore.” Amen, and blessings on you, dear Liz.
Hi Liz:
This verse of Proverbs 16:3 blows me away, as it tells me to roll it all on the LORD. IS THAT NOT AWESOME! That he wants to carry my burdens for me and allows me to do it over and over again.
And than He will give me His thoughts, so that become agreeable to His will. He is such an amazing God, even if my feelings are otherwise, I do so need Him.
Liz, your thought on Proverbs 16:3 are just what I needed to read this morning. I so needed the reminder to “roll my thoughts” to God and let him guide my ways. As for everyone, the month of December is a hectic one for me. Added to the usual hustle and bustle of the month are my 3 children’s birthdays, 12/20, 12/27 and 1/13. Great planning right! Actually the 12/20 was God’s planning not ours! Along with these birthdays, my middle son got married this summer and guess when his wife’s birthday is – 12/4! So, 4 birthdays during the holiday season. My husband has a fairly large extended family that we are expected to purchase gifts for, so more ideas and shopping. I am also a semi-professional pianist and December is so busy with music programs as well as our worship team at church. And, my husband travels a lot, sometimes being gone most of the week, all 4 weeks of the month. It all gets rather overwhelming at times, trying to find the time to get all the shopping done (we live in a small town and good shopping is an hour away), decorate the house, practice the piano, go to rehearsals, performances. This week, our washer isn’t working so I had to spend an afternoon at the laundrymat. I so feel for ladies who must do this on a regular basis. Expensive and a time waster! Today, I was to go shopping near where my son goes to college, spend the night and pick him up tomorrow after he gets done with finals. However, I’m nursing a bad cold so staying home and shopping online as much as I can and purchasing in stores in the morning before picking him up.
Today, I very much needed this reminder to Commit my plans to the Lord. I have had my quiet time this morning, but am having another one to commit my “to do” list. Then I’m going to let God direct me today and the rest of the month!
Liz,
Thank you for sharing your heart and blessing us.
Your words about before our plans are ever written or spoken, they are thoughts…God’s thoughts. He indeed lives in our hearts and we, His children are never out of His thoughts. What solace! What Grace! Praise the Lord!
Once again you have brought such insight into this Proverb, Liz. I love how you take the verses apart and teach us the original meaning by going back to the Hebrew words – so enlightening! I will be “rolling my plans” onto the Lord with much more abandon after reading this!
Thank You for the reminder to leave all of life in God’s hands. We need each other for reminders, and to be held accountable. God Is Good All The Time. All The Time God Is Good!!
>>>Stop measuring a productive day by what you have accomplished, and celebrate what God has accomplished in and through you.<<<
This is perfect for my husband. He measures his worth so many times by what he has accomplished each day. Can't wait to share this with him.
Your emails always make me pause and think. Thank you!