Proverbs 19:21 is quite well-known: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.”

Ultimately, God’s purpose will prevail. It cannot be thwarted or undone. His victory is past tense and present tense and future tense. It is both glorious and inescapable.

When something is that certain, and when something is that good—after all, God is always good, holy, wise, loving and true—why fight against it?

At the start of every September, I like to say the same thing—that it’s the real New Year’s. 

Forget January 1st. September is when we start fresh. Kids go back to school, work gets more regular after summer vacation, sports and other activities resume. The habits, practices and household rhythms which we establish in September tend to carry us forward for an entire year.

That’s why it’s a good time to re-evaluate whether we’re living in concert with God’s purposes. 

The proverb says that the plans in a person’s heart are “many.” Ain’t that the truth. We scurry here and there. We set agendas and lay schemes. Over time, these can stray from God’s way. We can start to treat people like commodities instead of beloved creatures made in God’s image. We can strive for success according to the world’s standards instead of God’s. And we can start to make decisions based on what society thinks is right or wrong because, hey, well, everyone else is doing it.

Personally, there are some things I am doing well. There are other things I need to change. Might the same be true for you? September seems like a great time to start fresh.

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” Let’s cooperate with the One who is always good, holy, wise, loving and true.

---

Notes:

—Announcement: If you don’t have a church home and are close to Barrie, Canada, I invite you to our kick-off service and free BBQ this Sunday (September 8)! Email or message me for details.

–“The Way Up is Down.” Sermon. Click here. September 1, 2024.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.