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OUR DEVICES

The concept of “our own devices” is an essential theme in Scripture that underscores the importance of understanding how our choices, plans, and intentions align with the will of God. The Bible frequently warns against relying on our own understanding and devices, emphasizing that true wisdom comes from submitting to God’s sovereignty. This article seeks to explore the Biblical perspective on our devices—those plans, schemes, and intentions we form in our hearts—and how they must be examined and surrendered to the Lord.

The Scriptures acknowledge the role of human agency in making plans and decisions but consistently remind us that the ultimate direction of our lives is determined by God’s sovereign will (Proverbs 16:9) states, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” This verse highlights the tension between human responsibility and divine sovereignty. While we are called to make plans and set intentions, we are also reminded that it is God who directs our steps. Our devices—our plans and decisions—must be viewed in light of HIS overarching will.

Human plans, even those made with good intentions, often fail when they are not aligned with God’s purposes. The truth of this reality calls us to approach our planning with humility, acknowledging that God’s wisdom far exceeds our own.

(Proverbs 3:5-6) provides a foundational principle for navigating life’s decisions: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge HIM, and HE will make straight your paths.” Trust God, forsaking our own limited understanding. The Bible teaches that God’s ways are higher than our ways.

Our own devices—plans and schemes—are subject to the limitations of our finite understanding. Therefore, it is essential to submit them to the Lord, acknowledging that HIS wisdom will lead us on the right path.

(Jeremiah 29:11) assures us that God has a plan for each of HIS people: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” This promise serves as a reminder that God’s plans for us are good and filled with hope.

The Word of God acts as a safeguard against the destructive tendencies of our own hearts, including the devices that may lead us astray. When we allow God’s Word to penetrate and shape our hearts, our decisions and speech will reflect HIS truth.

The decision-making process requires more than just human wisdom—it requires prayer, discernment, and submission to God’s will (James 1:5) offers encouragement to those who lack wisdom, saying, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.” God promises to generously give wisdom to those who seek it with a humble and sincere heart.

Through prayer, we submit our plans to HIM, asking for HIS guidance and wisdom. We must also seek discernment to ensure that our decisions are rooted in the principles of God’s Word. As we ask for wisdom, we must also be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, who directs our hearts and minds according to God’s will.

Ultimately, our greatest calling is to submit our lives—our hearts, our plans, and our decisions—to the will of God. When we submit to God’s will, our devices—the plans, schemes, and intentions that we form—are transformed. Instead of relying on our own understanding, we embrace God’s plan, knowing that HE works all things for our good and HIS glory.

The Bible calls us to recognize the limitations of our own understanding and to trust in God’s wisdom in all our decisions. While it is natural to make plans, it is essential that those plans are submitted to God’s sovereign will. As we trust in God, guard our hearts and words, and seek HIS wisdom, we can be confident that HE will establish our steps and lead us on the path that HE has prepared for us.

 

Avoid the pitfalls of our own devices and walk in the wisdom that comes from above.

Previously mentioned Scriptures below:

Proverbs 16:9
New International Version

9 “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

Proverbs 16:9
King James Version

9 “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.”

 

Proverbs 3:5-6
New International Version

5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

 

Jeremiah 29:11
New International Version

11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

 

James 1:5
Living Bible

5 “If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you, for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him; he will not resent it.”