Today's Verse: Jeremiah 10:23

Wednesday, June 18, 1947

I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.
— Jeremiah 10:23
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Thoughts on Today's Verse...

While we may have goals and a sense of mission for our lives, our future is not ours to determine. We can plan, but we must always do so with the recognition that we do so to honor the Lord and fulfill his mission for us. We plan but understand that we live under God's will for us:
"Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.' (James 4:13-15).
We should greet each day as a gift from God. We must make and pursue each goal to bring God glory. Every true sense of direction is a gift from our Father's Word and the Holy Spirit who leads us.

My Prayer...

Wise and loving Father, lead me by your Holy Spirit. Please fill me with your holy wisdom. Guide me into a more complete understanding of your will for my life. Please give me the wisdom to live each day with your righteous character and gracious compassion. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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3 Related Resources by Heartlight

He directs our steps
Illustration of Jeremiah 10:23
Inspirational illustration of Jeremiah 10:23 -- I know, O LORD , that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.
The Frantic Pursuit of Rest
Article by Bill Sherrill
Why does it seem to get farther away while we run faster to chase it? Bill Sherrill talks about our rush to rush into everything and how we need to read God's Book about life and how to experience it.
Dodging Our Own Explosions
Article by Patrick D. Odum
How do we get out of the way of our own explosions? When we try to do things by our own insight, we invariably end up blowing up everything; we need to go to God to help us through our messes!

Illustration

Illustration of Jeremiah 10:23 — I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, June 18, 1947

What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Escape from Darkness' (Jn. 12:46)
"[Jesus continued,] "I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.""
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Only Out of Love' (Ti. 1:11-14)
"Dear Father, Help me never to teach or serve in your kingdom for selfish gain. May I live and do good out of pure love for you. Help me to stay away...."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Nothing is Too Hard for You!' (Je. 32:17)
"O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!"
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Romans 4:7
"Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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