Proverbs 16:3 Explained: What it Means to Commit Your Plans to the Lord
365 Mental Health Devotional Challenge: Day 18
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Proverbs 16:3
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Mental Health Insight – So much of our anxiety revolves around things we cannot control, the past and the future. As hard as we try, the outcome is something outside of our control. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a form of therapy that focuses on things within our control, helping remove the focus off the what ifs and rather focus on our values and personal behaviors. When we commit to focusing on things within our control, our stress levels drop, reducing our overall anxiety levels.
Faith Connection – In this passage, we see God giving us a clear strategy on how to combat our anxiety. By fixing our eyes on the Lord and committing our daily actions to Him, we can trust that He will guide us no matter the outcome. Despite not knowing what tomorrow holds, we can trust in God who holds our ultimate outcome.
Reflection Question: What is one worry currently outside of your control that you can surrender to God today, and what is one small action within your power that you can commit to Him instead?
Prayer: Dear God, I hand over the worries I cannot control and the outcomes I cannot see. Thank You for the relief that comes when I stop trying to carry the future on my own. I commit my effort and my heart to You today, trusting that as I take my next small step, You are already establishing the path ahead. Replace my anxiety with the peace of Your presence. Amen.
Further Resources
Many of you have been asking for further resources that could potentially benefit you on your mental health journey. Below I have attached a book you might find beneficial surrounding this topic!
Sis, Take a Breath: Encouragement for the Woman Who’s Trying to Do and Be It All – Kirsten Watson
Description: In Sis, Take a Breath, Kirsten Watson addresses the high-stress cycle of trying to control every outcome in a chaotic world. Drawing on the truth of Proverbs 16:3, she explores how true peace is found not in the perfection of our plans, but in the act of “breathing in” God’s presence and “breathing out” our need for control. The book mirrors the core principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy by encouraging readers to stop fighting the “what ifs” of the future and instead focus on being present and faithful in their current values. Watson provides practical insights on how to surrender the heavy burden of results to God, allowing Him to establish the path while we focus simply on the next faithful step.
You have completed Day 18 out of 365 Days of our 2026 Mental Health Devotional Challenge. I hope you are learning lots of fun information for your mental health journey! I am truly enjoying this process with you all.
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I hope you all have the best and most blessed day!
Sierra Stratman MSW LMSW U/S PhD Student at Liberty University
Disclaimer
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), but I am not your therapist. The information provided in this blog post, including book recommendations and mental health insights, is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute a therapist-client relationship, nor is it intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.