Head versus heart: which do you value more?
Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.
When I first read this verse I read it wrong. I thought it said that the plans were in a man’s head, not his heart. Somehow I think in my logical, man’s mind that made more sense and I found it easier to accept.
We all have our own ideas about how things ought to work out but if we’re honest we know that things don’t always work out the way we think they should. So, hearing that my ideas aren’t nearly as good or correct as God’s is easy. Hearing that the things in my heart won’t always work out because it’s not God’s plan, well, that’s a little tougher to swallow.
I’ve always placed a lot of stock in what’s in a person’s heart. I can forgive a lot of misdeeds if someone’s heart is in the right place. But the scripture tells us that the things in our hearts, the longings, the emotions and the stuff that really tugs at us don’t win out. It’s God’s purpose that does. For me that takes some trust.
Call me idealistic or romantic or whatever but somewhere deep down I want our emotions to rule the day. This verse doesn’t say that’s going to happen. We’re told that it’s God’s purpose and his plan that will be realized in the end. Now, I can hope that my heart aligns with God’s plan but in the end I better be ready to put my feelings second to a greater purpose from the greatest of all. I better be ready to trust in God’s purpose.
The Everyday Question: How do you react when the things in your heart don’t work out?
Do you know someone who is trying to resolve the desires of their heart and God’s plan? If this might help them, please pass it along.
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