Introduction
At the beginning of a new year, many of us are eager to set goals and resolutions. We long for fresh starts, determined to make changes and see our plans succeed. But there is one timeless truth that guarantees our plans align with lasting success. Proverbs 16:3 (AMP) provides a clear direction for achieving our goals: “commit your works to the Lord, and He will establish your plans.” For today’s believers, this scripture is a reminder that true success begins with entrusting our desires and efforts to God. It challenges us to prioritize seeking God’s will and trusting His guidance above our own understanding.
Now Let’s Eat Some Meat!
Proverbs 16:3 (AMP): “Commit your works to the Lord [submit and trust them to Him], and your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance].”
The Context of Proverbs 16:3
The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom writings, offering guidance on how to live a life that honors God. Chapter 16 focuses on the sovereignty of God and His role in directing human plans. Verse 3 highlights the relationship between our efforts and God’s guidance, teaching that success is rooted in surrendering our plans to Him. The Hebrew word for “commit” is "galal" (גָּלַל), which in this scripture carries the sense of “rolling” or “entrusting” something fully to another.
For its original audience, this scripture was a call to recognize God’s ultimate authority over their endeavors. For today’s believers, it is a practical and spiritual principle that reminds us to prioritize God’s will in every aspect of our lives. It assures us that when we entrust our plans to God, we align ourselves with His purposes and experience the blessings of His guidance.
Relevance to Today’s Believers
As we enter the new year, Proverbs 16:3 speaks directly to the heart of our resolutions, plans, and goals. Many people strive to accomplish their plans through sheer determination, often overlooking the need to involve God in the process. And I will admit there is some success in that, at least as the world views success. This scripture reminds us that for the believer success is not just about effort but about alignment with God’s will. It calls us to commit our works—our plans, decisions, and actions—to the Lord, trusting Him to establish the outcomes.
For modern believers, this verse is both practical and reassuring. It teaches us to prioritize prayer and submission in our goal-setting process. By doing so, we invite God’s wisdom, guidance, and favor into our lives. It also shifts our focus from striving for personal achievement to seeking God’s greater purpose, ensuring that our efforts align with His eternal plans.
Supporting Scriptures
Psalm 37:5 (AMP): “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him also and He will do it.” This scripture echoes the call to entrust our plans to God, reinforcing His promise to act on behalf of those who trust Him. And the scripture says “He will do it,” take a moment here and tell me the things that you think you can do better than God. Go ahead, I’ll wait.
Matthew 6:33 (AMP): “But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.” Prioritizing God’s will lead to the fulfillment of ALL our needs and desires.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (AMP): “Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].” This scripture reinforces the idea of trusting God’s guidance over human wisdom.
Jeremiah 29:11 (AMP): “For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” God’s plans are always for our ultimate good, inviting us to trust Him fully.
Philippians 4:6-7 (AMP): “Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation], by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].” Submitting our plans to God brings peace and confidence, guarding us from anxiety. Well of course, he did say as I mentioned earlier “He will do it.” Don’t know about you, however for me if the Creator and Sustainer says “He will do it,” I aint got nuttin to worry ‘bout!
Applications for Modern Faith
Prioritizing God in Goal-Setting: Believers are encouraged to begin their plans with prayer, seeking God’s guidance before taking action.
Trusting God’s Timing and Wisdom: This scripture reminds Christians to rely on God’s perfect timing and understanding rather than their own limited perspective.
Releasing Control: Committing our works to God involves letting go of the need to control every detail, trusting Him to establish the outcomes.
Aligning Goals with God’s Will: Proverbs 16:3 calls believers to ensure that their resolutions align with God’s purposes, focusing on what brings glory to Him
Living with Confidence and Peace: Trusting in God’s guidance removes the burden of striving and replaces it with peace and assurance of His faithfulness.
Summary
Proverbs 16:3 (AMP) offers a simple yet transformative principle for achieving success: commit your works to the Lord, and He will establish your plans. This scripture teaches that true success comes not from self-reliance but from trusting God’s wisdom and guidance. The call to “commit” emphasizes the importance of fully entrusting our plans, decisions, and efforts to Him, acknowledging His sovereignty over every aspect of our lives.
Cross-referenced scriptures such as Psalm 37:5 and Proverbs 3:5-6 reinforce the importance of trusting in God’s guidance rather than relying on human understanding. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds believers that God’s plans are always for their good, offering peace and hope. Together, these scriptures provide a comprehensive view of what it means to trust God with our plans, inspiring confidence in His ability to lead us to success.
For today’s believers, especially at the start of a new year, Proverbs 16:3 is a timely reminder to approach resolutions and goals with a God-centered mindset. It encourages Christians to prioritize prayer and submission, ensuring that their plans align with God’s will. By committing our works to Him, we open the door to His blessings, guidance, and peace, allowing Him to establish our plans in ways that exceed our expectations. As we set our New Year’s resolutions, let us remember that true success begins with God. Commit your works to the Lord, trusting Him to guide and establish your plans. His wisdom, timing, and faithfulness are unmatched, ensuring that your efforts align with His purpose and bring lasting fulfillment. May this year be one of trust, submission, and joyful alignment with God’s will. Happy New Year!
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