"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps" (Proverbs 16:9, NIV).

It's interesting the way Solomon puts this. Because I think it's the opposite of the way most of us think.

We tend to think that God is the big-picture guy, and that the only thing we control are the little decisions and choices along the way.

This verse from Proverbs reverses the roles. It says that we are the ones who make the big-picture plans. And God is the one involved in each step along the way.

I don't know about you, but I find this extraordinarily comforting. Because as much as we sometimes feel like we know where our life is headed, the journey through life is often a journey through a minefield. And the path through that minefield is filled with many unexpected twists and turns.

So it's really, really nice to know that God is not just involved in the big picture. He's also there in the little details along the way too.

God pays attention to our every step. More than that, God steadies us for each step along the way. In fact, didn't Jesus claim he even knows the number of the hairs on your head?

Now, that's a God who's a God of the details!

Our Bible reading for Friday, July 3, is 2 Kings 6:24 - 8:15, Acts 22:2 - 23:11 and Proverbs 16:8-17.

Jesus thank you for being involved in the details of my life. You know every step I take. And by your grace you make my steps firm. Keep my steps on the path of your purpose, and help me to walk for the glory of your name.

Header image based on "Les marches suspendues" by Yann Caradec, CC By-SA 2.0