A Better Resolution: Thy Will Be Done

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
– Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)

So how is your day going so far? How’s your year? Is it living up to your expectations? Have you managed to keep those optimistic resolutions you started out with on January first?

Most of us find that things don’t always turn out as we plan. So you do you react when that happens? Disappointment? Frustration? Resignation? Anger?

I have nothing against planning and goal setting. I believe they’re both important to our progress, whatever the endeavour might be. I’ve worked a good part of my life as a music teacher, so I know you don’t get anywhere without deliberate planning (a good curriculum) and determined practice.

But sometimes our plans do indeed go awry. A broken finger will hinder your piano playing, for instance. Or other priorities might sweep in and take us away from our original goals.

Then what? How do we deal with those unexpected derailments?

If you have faith in God, you can take such things in stride. Even the bad things. Even what seem to be the worst possible things.

Jesus taught us the perfect formula for coping with any adverse situation. When his disciples asked him to teach them to pray, he taught them to include the phrase “Thy will be done.” In fact, he modelled this himself as he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39, 42).

Jesus taught us to surrender our own will to God’s better judgement.

Thy will be done.
– Matthew 6:10 (KJV)

Does that mean we give up on our own plans and dreams? Maybe. Of course all good goals are worth fighting for. But when you feel like your situation is beyond hope in this mortal realm, you need to give it over to God.

He knows what is best. He know things you and I are unaware of. He sees the big picture. He knows you, your dreams, and your needs better that you do.

I wish I could reassure you that everything your heart desires will come true. But that’s just not reality. Nor is it always a good idea. Sometimes the desires of our hearts are “deceitful above all things and beyond cure” (Jeremiah 17:9, NIV).

If you find yourself thwarted or disappointed, don’t give up hope. Give up your own will. Surrender your expectations and wait for instructions. God’s plan is always better, though it not not seem so to you at the time.

Keep in mind that God knows more than you do. Place your trust in God’s better judgement.

We wait in hope for the Lord;
he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,
even as we put our hope in you.
– Psalm 33:20-22