Proverbs 19:21
Worship Devo with Mason Venhaus
Dive Deeper
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Proverbs 19:21
Behind the Scenes
Oh, if I could have better grappled with this verse when I was younger! I’m sure there are many of you who can relate. Many are the plans in my heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails, and I am so grateful for that.
Solomon, the author of Proverbs, was known for his wisdom. He was also known for his wealth, and… wives. Solomon’s greatest sin goes directly against this proverb, which is likely why he wrote it. He, like many of us, learned the hard way–that our hearts lead us astray. Sometimes I think having one spouse is stressful (my husband agrees), but can you imagine having 700 wives!? I’m curious to know if he ever confused their names, or if he managed to see all of them in the same year?! I don’t know whether to be impressed or bewildered. I’ve digressed, but Solomon’s lust for wealth and women led him astray, and his heart was turned away from God (1 Kings 11:4). Writing this Proverb came with pain, and he wrote it knowing full well that God’s purpose is better than any of his own plans.
Take a look at others who followed their heart. Solomon’s father, David, was led astray by the Beauty of Bathsheba. Sampson’s heart led him to Delilah who betrayed him and his people. The woman at the well in the book of John had lived with five men.
But God!! Look at the way his purpose prevailed in all of these situations.
Jesus was birthed through the line of David and Bathsheba.
God gave Sampson strength to push down the pillars of the Philistines even though he was captured because of Delilah.
Jesus gave the woman Living Water, and she changed her life for Him.
Make it Real
We all sin, and we all fall short of the glory of Him…but He turns everything into good. When we make a mistake, God intervenes if we repent, and His will and purpose prevails. We don’t just miss the mark in life and that’s it- we’re finished with God. He doesn’t cast us aside and abandon us. He picks us up and teaches us the way. He forgives us, loves us, and is so pleased when we come to Him no matter what yesterday looked like. Every single day is an opportunity to walk into His will and purpose. Doesn’t that lift a burden? Thank you, Jesus!!
The world will tell us to follow our heart, but God says the opposite. Do not follow your heart. Instead, give it to God, because only He knows what it needs to flourish. Don’t give your whole heart to anyone. Not your spouse, your family, or your friends. Share it with them but give your whole heart only to Him. When He says no, it’s because He knows where it leads. When He says yes, it’s because it’s good and safe for you. And above all, if you learned anything from this devotional, have one spouse only;).
Much love!
Ali Bair
ACF Devo Team
End in Prayer
Jesus,
Thank You that Your blood washes away my sin! Thank You that You redeem even the most foolish mistake I make. Thank You that Your love is enough to satisfy my soul. Teach me Your will for my life today. Help me to stay on Your path and follow Your leading. Help me not to fall into the temptation of following my own heart but instead I want to always follow Your heart. Thank You for being my God and my Redeemer!
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen!