GOD IS OUR BE-ALL AND END-ALL

October 24, 2017

GOD IS OUR BE-ALL AND END-ALL

Proverbs 16:1-9

Haley Kate Patterson

Central Truth

When we recognize God's sovereignty in our lives, we give Him total control. Take comfort in the fact that He is our be-all and end-all.

The heart of man plans his way,
but the Lord establishes his steps.
(Proverbs 16:9)

1 The plans of the heart belong to man,
    but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,
    but the LORD weighs the spirit.^{1

16:2
Or spirits}
3 Commit your work to the LORD,
    and your plans will be established.
4 The LORD has made everything for its purpose,
    even the wicked for the day of trouble.
5 Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD;
    be assured, he will not go unpunished.
6 By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for,
    and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil.
7 When a man's ways please the LORD,
    he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8 Better is a little with righteousness
    than great revenues with injustice.
9 The heart of man plans his way,
    but the LORD establishes his steps.

Footnotes

[1] 16:2 Or spirits

When I was about to start Kindergarten, I remember my parents talking to my sister and me about the idea of switching schools. I saw no point in switching schools. I didn't really understand why I should change something that seemed good to me. My parents considered my thoughts and feelings in their decision, but in the end THEY had the final say. They LOVED me, so they listened to me. But in their wisdom they weren't about to let a five-year-old make such a big decision for herself. They were wiser because they had walked the same road before.

In the same way, we have plans, goals, and desires for our lives. Jesus loves us and listens to us, but in the end He has the final say. He is wiser, AND He has walked this road before (John 6:38)! It would be generous to say that we are like five-year-olds to Him. The Lord God actually refers to us as sheep in Ezekiel 34:31. And if you know anything about sheep, they aren't the smartest creatures! He is our good, good, Father. So we can take comfort in the fact that He is our BE-ALL and END-ALL.

The true meaning of the phrase "be-all and end-all" is "something or someone who is considered to be a perfect specimen or the best and most desired." To me, this perfectly captures Jesus Christ. If He is our Lord and infinitely good, we should take joy in Him having the final say. He is infinitely more good, loving, and perfect than we will ever be. Who wouldn't want Him as their be-all and end-all?

1. In what parts of your life are you reluctant to give God control? Why?

2. When planning out your day, how can you let Him establish your steps?

3. Is He your be-all and end-all? If so, do you take comfort in that?