◄ What Does Jeremiah 10:23 Mean? ►

I know, O LORD, that a man's way is not in himself, Nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps.

Jeremiah 10:23(NASB)

Verse of the Day

Jeremiah foretold the dispersion of Israel and witnessed the terrible destruction of the temple and devastation of his beloved city of Jerusalem. He understood that God's people had no excuse for sin nor did their privileged status as God's chosen people exempt them from His rod of correction. And though he lamented the forthcoming judgement, Jeremiah prayed for God's mercy upon his people.

The Old Testament records Israel's rejection of the Father, and the Gospels document Israel's rejection of the Son. And while early chapters of Acts chronicle Israel's rejection of the Spirit, God in His mercy is pouring out His grace for a season on the Church and will in time restore His errant nation of Israel back to Himself.

God is the singular author and finisher of history (and of our faith) and although we have freewill to make our own choices which may result in self-imposed difficulties, it is God Who determines the course of mankind, and God Who directs the steps of His children.

It is He who has set in motion the plans and purposes for the nations of the world, and it is He who will direct you and me to fulfil His ultimate plans and purposes, for our benefit and His glory.

Like Israel in time past, the Body of Christ are God's witnesses in the world today, and as His people we have a choice to resist His ways (as did Israel), or to yield to His direction.

Let us submit our lives into His keeping. Let us entrust our futures into His hands willingly. Let us not seek to be independent from the Lord but depend on Him in all things, trust Him in all ways, believe His Word at all times.

Let us acknowledge that the way of man is not in himself. It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps, nor should we seek to manipulate the ways of the Lord, but trust Him in all things.

My Prayer

Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times when I have sought to walk independently of Your leading. I recognise that this is a form of rebellion and an attempt to be independent from You. May I become increasingly willing to remain dependent upon You. Lord, please guide my steps and lead me in the way I should go. In Jesus' name, AMEN.