Proverbs 16:9, English Standard Version

“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.”

Oh, I hope many of you know the joy that is found in the Lord! He is active and alive in our daily lives—in every corner, at every turn, and at all times. When our minds heed His truth and our hearts long for His presence, He can be found everywhere. Let me share one example I repeatedly experience simply through watching TV shows.

I recently watched an episode of a detective show that told the story of a body dumped into a grave that was originally meant for another burial. The body was eventually discovered because of heavy rain. While a pastor was giving a message of comfort, the rain continued to pour, the soil slowly washed away, and the body began to surface. In that moment, the Word of God came to my mind: “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9, ESV) The murderer may have planned what he thought was a perfect way to hide his crime, but he could not control every step along the way. The Lord can.

Through this single episode, a powerful message of God’s justice and righteousness was revealed to me. His words are firm and true. He says:

“There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.” (Luke 12:2, NIV)

“And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them.” (Isaiah 42:16, ESV)

“Vengeance is Mine, and retribution. In due time their foot will slip; for the day of their disaster is at hand, and their doom hurries to meet them.” (Deuteronomy 32:35, AMP)

“Be sure of this: the wicked will not go unpunished…” (Proverbs 11:21, NIV)

How great is our God—who is all-present, all-powerful, and all-knowing! This is only one example from a single episode of a TV show, but if we seek Him and pay attention, just as I shared at the beginning of this article, His faithfulness and His teaching are revealed to us again and again. When we pursue His heart, learning never ends.

His Word—the Truth—proves itself to be active and alive (Hebrews 4:12). Not only that, but He, the Word, is living, working, and guiding us through every moment of our daily lives. Think about how wonderful and secure it is when we take His Word as a lamp for our feet and a light for our path (Psalm 119:105). What would that look like? It would mean there is no battle we cannot face, just as King David trusted the Lord.

So, what would you say to His Word?

My answer is this: Lord, in You I trust.