Road Rules: Work to the Lord

Proverbs 16:3   Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. The proverbs are statements of truth. But admittedly, they can seem formulaic. A surface reading of today’s passage may lead one to mistakenly conclude: “Cool! I just tell God what I want to do, and he will make it happen.” Not quite the Author’s intent. The name “Lord” is the translation of Yahweh, one of God’s names in Hebrew. When God uses this name to describe himself, we translate it as “I AM” (Ex. 3:14-15), and when we use Yahweh to describe God, we say “He is.” But Yahweh is much more than a name of “being.” Yahweh describes the personal and covenant-keeping God who loves his children with unconditional eternal love. He always has our best interests in mind. And he always keeps his promises. The name, Yahweh, emphasizes God’s supreme position as sovereign over all. Yahweh was so sacred to the Old Testament believer that they would not utter the word out loud.  The original readers of this passage did not see a flippant formula. They understood that offering plans to Yahweh was a distinct act of worship and faith. They did so prayerfully and humbly. Let’s do the same. 

Father, may we approach you with the same adoration and worship. May our plans always be in accordance with your Word. May we know you as Yahweh and trust you as the covenant-keeping sovereign God.

In Jesus’ name.

Amen.