I’ve found that splinters of enlightenment have been coming to me at strange moments lately- insights revealed in supermarket aisles, thoughts puncturing that hazy time between sleep and reality, moments of clarity marked amidst cans of paint and cleaning solvent.

God does that, though. The more simple and mundane the circumstances, the more clearly His voice seems to shine through. Perhaps it’s because my mind is least cluttered at those times. Or maybe my guard is down just low enough to welcome those moments of submission.

I’ve been thinking about plans lately. Plans of which city I want to visit next. Plans of starting a professional writing career. Weekend plans. Five year plans. Floor plans of a new apartment. Plans of growing up.

The book of Proverbs talks all about making plans. It isn’t just about searching our hearts and defining our desires. It’s one step beyond that. Making Godly plans requires a level of commitment. Proverbs 16:3 states, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” A commitment is a vow, a pledge before God, something to be taken seriously. A commitment is letting go and giving our desires and plans to God, knowing that we can’t control them. A commitment is surrender.

The human heart is wily and not to be trusted. We can plan all we want to, but ultimately the Lord’s purpose will prevail (Proverbs 19:21). So how do we even get to the point of recognizing the path that God has established for each of us?

We pray. We seek the character of God. We try to find contentment in knowing that God is more than enough for us. “The purposes of the human heart are deep waters, but those who have insight draw them out” (Proverbs 20:5). God wants to provide us with this insight. He’s waiting for us to trust Him, and look to Him for wisdom and guidance. Once we get to that point, He’ll fill in the rest of the blanks for us.

By human standards, this is almost impossible. I’m the first to tell you that I’m impatient. I’m headstrong. I struggle to discern my own heart at times, to understand which plan will bring God the most glory. I want things to happen in my timing.

But there are three truths that I cling to, a mantra for my life, if you will.
1.    God is in control.
2.    His timing is perfect.
3.    His plan is amazing.

And it’s as simple and complicated as that.