For further reflection:
1. Read Proverbs 16:9: “The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.”
We are not in control of the success of our plans. How does the fact that God is in control change your feelings towards your plans?
2. Read Proverbs 16:3: “Commit your works to the Lord And your plans will be established.”
Why would committing our current works to God lead to the fulfillment of our future plans?
3. Think about a specific plan in your life that is causing you anxiety. Reflect on what it is that you are trying to control. What would it look like to surrender this to God?
Making Plans
Proverbs: Episode 4
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Proverbs
Fearing God
For further reflection: 1. Read Isaiah 55:8-9: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.” Then read 1 John 4:16, “God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him.” What two different aspects of God’s character do these verses highlight? How does the combination of these two aspects lead us to a fear of the Lord? 2. Read Proverbs 1:7: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Why do you think fear of the Lord cause us to accept his wisdom and instruction? 3. What does fearing God look like in your own life right now? Do you tend to focus more on God’s superiority or God’s love?
Serenity
For further reflection: 1. Read Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.” In this verse, why is trusting in God opposed to leaning on our own understanding? In other words, why can’t we be doing both things at the same time? 2. Read Proverbs 3:6: “In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.” What does it mean to acknowledge God in all our ways? 3. Where in your life are you trusting in your own perceptions instead of trusting in God?