“Many are the plans in the mind of a man.”
This has always been the case; Adam and Eve’s primordial rebellion was in one sense a refusal to accept God’s plan because of a hell-bent insistence on establishing their own.
And ever since that day, we all as human beings manifest that same strong-willed stubbornness that our will be done. We want our plans to succeed, and when they fall through we compensate by building more bigger, more elaborate ones. We believe that, given enough sophistication and effort, that our plans—our kingdoms—will be firmly established. But listen to what Jesus says:
“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.”
And again,
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
It is not our word that will stand the test of time, but God’s.
“The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.”
And indeed, at times God specifically thwarts our best efforts and renders them useless, futile, and ineffective:
“The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples.”
But He does not subject us to futility to mock or condemn us! No, when our best plans fail and our most careful intentions falter, He is graciously reminding us that He is in control:
“Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.”
“I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.”
I know this, but I forget. Help me Lord, to remember this day that it is you who establishes our way and directs our steps, and may every step that you ordain bring me closer to You!