January 18, 2026
Another post about setting in focus the year ahead and plans for a better or more meaningful 2026. My pastor preached on Proverbs 16 and I thought I’d tag on a few thoughts as well. The writer addresses our plans and ways and whether we live to worship/please ourself or the Lord. I think most of us feel we have a great deal of power to control the path we are on (indeed, our choices and lifestyle make a huge difference) but as this proverb shows—ultimately God is the one who directs our path. By getting to know the Lord and fearing/respecting/honoring Him, we can walk in the right way.
As a Christian, it’s easy to believe that if I “do the right things, then God will give me what I want”. Not so, nor does a accurate study of Scripture prove that (consider the lives of the apostles). It does instead show that He will walk with us and “will establish our plans”.
May 2026 be a year to let God establish your plans and ways.
Proverbs 16:1-9
1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.
3 Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.
4 The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.
5 Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished.
6 By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil.
7 When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.
9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
