Proverbs 16:3
Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.
The proverbs are statements of truth, but admittedly, they can seem formulaic. A surface reading of today’s passage may lead one to mistakenly conclude: “Cool! I just tell God what I want to do, and he will make it happen.” Not quite the Author’s intent.
The name “Lord” is the translation of Yahweh, one of God’s names in Hebrew. When God uses this name to describe himself, we translate it as “I AM” (Exodus 3:14-15), and when we use Yahweh to describe God, we say “He is.” But Yahweh is much more than a name of “being.” Yahweh describes the personal and covenant-keeping God who loves his children with an unconditional, eternal love, who has their best interests in mind, and who always keeps his promises to them. The name stresses God’s supreme position as Lord overall. Yahweh was so powerful and incomparable to the Old Testament believers that they would not utter the name out loud.
So, the original readers of this passage did not see a flippant formula. They understood that offering plans to Yahweh was a distinct act of worship and faith. They did so prayerfully and humbly. They understood that “commit your work to the Lord” had to align with Yahweh’s Word to be acceptable to him.
Father, may we approach you with the same adoration and worship. May our plans always be in accordance with your Word. May we know you as Yahweh and trust you as the covenant-keeping sovereign God.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
I’ve been going through a really tough situation at work, and this devotional really spoke to me. Thank you…