July 23 - Plans, Pain, and Purpose

JULY 23 - Plans, Pain, and Purpose3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 20:18; Psalm 69; Luke 23//3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon//________________________________________“Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war.” — Proverbs 20:18 (ESV)“Answer me, O Lord, for your steadfast love is good; according to your abundant mercy, turn to me.” — Psalm 69:16 (ESV)“And Jesus said to them, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’ And having said this he breathed his last.” — Luke 23:46 (ESV)________________________________________Have you ever felt like life was out of control—like things weren’t going according to plan? Maybe a friendship fell apart, a test didn’t go as expected, or you faced unfair treatment. Proverbs 20:18 reminds us that good plans aren’t made alone; we need wise counsel and guidance. In the midst of suffering, Psalm 69 models pouring out our hearts to God, asking Him to intervene and help. And Luke 23 shows Jesus on the cross, fully aware of His mission, trusting God even in extreme pain.The combination of planning, prayer, and trust is powerful. Life will have moments of hurt, disappointment, and uncertainty, but God calls us to seek wise guidance, pour out our hearts to Him, and trust His purposes, even when we don’t understand everything. Jesus’ example teaches us that surrendering to God’s will doesn’t mean we avoid pain—it means we face it with hope and courage, knowing God is working for good.________________________________________THINK ABOUT IT1. Seek Wise Guidance: When making decisions, do you take time to ask trusted mentors, parents, or God for counsel (Proverbs 20:18)? How might that change the outcomes?2. Pour Out Your Heart: Are there burdens or frustrations you’ve been holding in? How can you follow Psalm 69:16 by bringing them to God in honest prayer?3. Trust God in the Pain: Like Jesus in Luke 23:46, how can surrendering your worries and disappointments to God give you strength, even in hard situations?________________________________________BOTTOM LINELife’s challenges are easier to face when you plan wisely, pray earnestly, and trust God completely.________________________________________PRAYERHeavenly Father, thank You for being a guide, a refuge, and a source of strength in every situation. Help me to seek wise counsel, pour out my heart to You, and trust Your plan, even when life is hard or confusing. Teach me to follow Jesus’ example of surrender and hope. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.