It seems like yesterday was the start of the new year. My plans were set. I was ready to go. Only one problem.
The year flew by before I knew it. And most of my plans were left in the dust.
Why?
Some weren't really important. Others I lost track of and didn't keep my nose to the grindstone.
But there were some activities that survived the year. Ones that I placed a special importance upon.
The ones I succeeded at were the ones I had found to be most important.
· Regular writing
· Exercising 3X a week
· Walks with my wife
· Meeting regularly with friends
These three activities became a passion for me. Something I looked forward to.
Not only that but when I partook in them, my energy was renewed.
Looking back at the year and my plans, I began to wonder what the Bible says about planning. Sometimes it seemed like the Bible was against planning. Verses like Psalm 33:10
The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;
He frustrates the plans of the people
Doesn't this sound like a strike against planning?
But then we've got verses like Proverbs 15:22
Without counsel plans fail,
but with many advisers they succeed.
Or Proverbs 21:5
The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance,
but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.
Why is it sometimes the Bible seems to condemn planning and other times it praises planning?
In my opinion, it comes down to the heart of the planner.
If the planner is out for his own good, the plans will go awry. However, if the planner has the good of others in mind, his plans tend to succeed.
As you're finishing up your plans for the year, keep this in mind. Plan to help others in their mission in life. Look for ways to encourage others. Let others be at the forefront of your planning.
Question: Why do you
think your plans fail? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
About the Author:
This is a guest post by Joseph Lalonde. He is a youth leader and leadership blogger at JMLalonde.com. Joseph shares leadership tools and encourages you to become a better leader. With him on Twitter or at his blog.