Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.—Proverbs 16:3

As I’ve often commented, I tend to be a planner and a fixer. When facing a problem, I try to game out the scenario, looking at several possible outcomes and weighing the pros and cons of a decision before I do something. Of course, this is on a good day when my mouth hasn’t outrun my ability to catch up.

I think most of us share this tendency in our own ways. We want to look before we leap and have a reasonable set of expectations for most things to which we commit. It’s all very reasonable …

Except Proverbs 16:3 tells us something a little different: all those plans we set out to accomplish can only be affirmed if we commit the subsequent effort and outcome into God’s hands. In fact, the proverb is plainly suggesting that faithful reliance on God, even dedication of our efforts to God’s glory, is the thing that will set our feet on solid ground. In fact, “established” here means in Hebrew to be made firm and/or to be made to stand on solid ground.

This makes perfect sense, especially in light of the context of Proverbs 16. Throughout this collection of wise sayings the conclusion is clear: the world is filled with people with all sorts of plans and motivations, but in the end the Lord’s purposes will win out. Moreover, those who put obedience and reliance upon the Lord first will be seen through to the end. This is exactly what we get in Proverbs 16:9, for example: “The human mind plans the way, but the LORD directs the steps.”

So what does all of this mean? Should we stop making plans? Should we just wing it, no matter the decision or the costs and consequences? No, of course not! However, I think one conclusion is clear: our best laid plans and intentions must always involve a heavy dose of humility, as all our plans and efforts depend upon the sovereign will of God.

In light of this, I think it makes perfect sense for us to begin and end our days with prayer. Got a big decision to make? Got something going on of which you are unsure of the outcome? Feeling a little less than perfect today, and unsure of your footing? Keep on pressing on, but do so by committing your efforts, your thoughts, and the disposition of your hearts to God, and God will see you, all of us, through to the end.

If we learn to do that, I believe this Proverb is telling us, we’ll find ourselves established, standing on solid ground.

In Christ,

Pastor Sam

On April 17 we will celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord. Let us do so in worship spaces adorned with Easter lilies in honor or in memory of those we love and appreciate. To order one or more lily plants, either fill in the form you will find at the church and return it to the office or order online. Each plant costs $15. The deadline for ordering is Monday, April 11.

Serve Orlando registration is open! Sign up here. This mission opportunity for students, adults, and families is scheduled for June 23–30. We will work with ministries and agencies in the Orlando, Florida, area, and our group will also enjoy a day at Universal Parks and an afternoon at the beach. Rising 1st graders through rising 6th graders must be accompanied by an adult. Rising 7th graders through rising 12th graders may come solo or bring family and friends. The cost is $400 per person; see Katie Arnold for family pricing. The price increases after April 1. Scholarships are available. For more information, email Katie Arnold.

You can watch the livestream of our worship services and other activities at FPC Bristol on YouTube. Click on the link and hit “Subscribe” to receive notifications of new videos. To connect to our various Facebook sites, go to Facebook and type in FPC Bristol. Several accounts will show up. “Like” the page or ask to join a group.

We are now collecting Teddy Grahams for Fairmount schoolchildren. Any kind will be appreciated! As ever, please put your donated snacks in one of the collection boxes (in the narthex and the fellowship hallway). We will take them to the school.

We encourage you to use text, mail, or our website to safely continue your faithful support of our ministries during the pandemic. You can give online by going to our website and clicking on “Give” in the upper right corner. You can send your pledge, offering, or special gift by texting fpcbristol to 73256, or mail your checks directly to the church.

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