“There are many devices in a man’s heart;
nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.”
(Proverbs 19:21)
Man is continually planning. He considers what he will do, how he can secure his future, how he will avoid trouble, how he can achieve success, how he can best provide for his family, how he will accomplish his goals and realize his desires. He is preoccupied with designs, hopes, fears, and expectations. Yet many of his plans never come to pass. They live only in his mind like dreams that seem real while dreaming but vanish when he awakes.[1]
But God’s counsel is not like man’s devices. God does not imagine, dream, or guess; He determines. His counsel is His eternal purpose, established in perfect wisdom before the world began. And what He has determined does not remain a thought; it comes to pass because the plans, purposes, and promises of God cannot fail. Men may oppose them, devils may resist them, nations may rage against them, but still the counsel of the Lord stands.
The biblical story of Esther illustrates these truths beautifully. God orchestrated events in the lives of this young Jewish woman, her uncle, the king of the Persian empire at the time, and Haman, an enemy of the Jewish people… such that Esther becomes queen and ultimately risks her life to save her people. This wonderful book shares not only a story of courage, but is an astounding picture of divine timing, providence, and purpose. So if you’ve ever wondered whether God is working in the circumstances of your life, Esther’s story gives a clear and powerful answer.
Throughout the course of history similar stories have been documented that clearly show God’s hand at work in both His world and His church. Kings, rulers, and nations have opposed Christ and His church, and yet God still has His people. The counsel of the Lord still stands in spite of all opposition, and it will continue to stand forever. For God’s purposes are as sure and certain as God Himself.
Contemplations:
- God Rules Over My Plans. Lord, when I think about my life, I see how many plans I have made that did not come to pass. I have desired things that never happened, feared things that never came, and tried to control things that were never in my power. This tells me that I am not in control of my life as I often imagine. You are the one who orders my steps, opens doors, closes doors, and directs my path. Help me trust Your counsel more than my own designs.
- God’s Wisdom Is Better Than My Understanding. Father, I may think I know what is best for my life, but many times I’ve been wrong. Teach me to submit my plans to You and to be content with what You appoint, knowing that Your counsel is always wiser than my desires.
- God’s Purposes Cannot Fail. Lord, I am grateful that Your counsel stands and cannot fail. What You have purposed for Your people will certainly come to pass, and this truth gives me comfort in a world full of change and uncertainty.
- God Alone Is Worthy of Trust. Father, this passage reminds me that human plans are uncertain, human strength is weak, and human wisdom is limited. But Your counsel stands forever. Therefore, You alone are worthy to be trusted completely. Help me not rest my hope on my own plans or on the plans of others, but on Your will, Your Word, and Your promises.
Prayer (Adoration)
Sovereign Lord, You alone are God, and all things are under Your rule. The thoughts of men rise and fall, but Your counsel stands forever. You do not change, You do not fail, and You do not reconsider what You have purposed. From eternity You have determined all that comes to pass, and in Your appointed time You bring it to fulfillment according to Your will.
You rule over kings and nations. You rule over the church and over every believer. You rule over the events of every life, both great and small. Nothing is too great for Your power, and nothing is too small for Your care. Everything that happens is governed by Your providence, according to Your eternal counsel.
Your wisdom is perfect. You see the end from the beginning, and You order all things for Your glory and the good of Your people. Your counsel is powerful, wise, and good.
What You have purposed, You will accomplish. No one can stop Your hand. No enemy can defeat Your plan. No difficulty can prevent what You have determined to do. Your counsel shall stand, and You will do all Your pleasure.
So teach my heart to submit to Your will, to trust Your wisdom, and to rest in Your providence, because You are the God whose counsel shall stand forever.
In Jesus’ name I pray.
Further Scripture References for Prov. 19:21:
Psalm 33:11; Prov. 16:9; Heb. 6:17; Isa. 14:27.
[1] Robert Sanderson, The Works of Robert Sanderson, vol. 3, (Oxford: University Press, 1884) 327.
