DEVOTION: The Lord is Sovereign

Proverbs 19:12
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand (ESV).

The year 2020 is undoubtedly one for the history books. We have just been through six months, yet it already feels like years! COVID-19 brought the whole world to a lockdown for months. More than 530,000 people have so far died worldwide from the virus. Global economies have shuttered, resulting in massive job losses and businesses going bankrupt. And then we have seen the protests and riots all over the world following the killing of George Floyd.

Nobody could have bet at the beginning of the year that it would turn out as it has so far. We were all positive and looking forward to the New Year with high expectations. I read of someone who sarcastically called on prosperity gospel preachers to refund all the ‘seed money’ their followers had given in return for the health and wealth promised in 2020. Prov. 19:21 is a reminder that the Lord is in total control (sovereign) despite all the scientific and technological achievements in the world.

To be clear, it is prudent to make plans and prepare for the future. However, this should be done acknowledging that the Lord is in total control. He knows what is best for us. And therefore, we should make plans prayerfully seeking His will (see James 4:13-15). This proverb is an echo of Prov. 3:5-6, where we are admonished to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not lean on our own understanding. Then the Lord will make our paths straight.

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