Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but the counsel of ADONAI [the LORD] will stand. Proverbs 19:21, TLV
Whose Plans? How often do we seek the LORD’s counsel before we proceed with our plans? I wish I could say, “Woo-hoo! All the time!” Really, I wish I could say, “Some of the time.” But honestly, it is more like “Oh boy, I wish I did it more often.”
Listen to advice and accept instruction,
so that in the end you may be wise. (vs. 20, TLV)
There’s that listening-thing again. Listening and being teachable are all part of our faith and wisdom journey. But is that seeking the counsel of ADONAI? Close, but not necessarily.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10, TLV)
Here’s where listening for the LORD’s counsel begins. With our submission to His will being done here on earth, as it is with Him in heaven. When we pray this each day, or hour, or minute, we open ourselves to listening for His counsel and guidance. Fortunately, there’s more than our willingness. Our willingness ebbs and flows more than the tide.
He also gives us mature believers to seek advice and knowledge, but there’s even more.
But the Helper, the Ruach ha-Kodesh [the Holy Spirit] whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you everything and remind you of everything that I said to you. John 14:26, TLV
Yes! Jesus told His followers that His Father would send the Holy Spirit to them. Not as a “person” but the Holy Spirit would empower each of us individually. That part of the Father, that honors Yeshua, would be with us 24/7, because of His great love.
We always have the choice — unfortunately — to listen, or just go ahead with our plans. Generally, I need reminding each morning that I want my Father’s will to be done, not just what I want. I may think I know His plans, but …
Isn’t our Father amazing! He not only adopted us as His redeemed children, but He’s implanted in our spirits, His Spirit. He’s given us His Son as a sacrifice for us, and now He’s given a piece of Himself!
Yes, Father GOD, Your will be done!
