What does God’s Word say about His plans vs. our plans? Is it okay for us as Christians to make our own plans? Let’s discover the answers to those questions and more, in these 20 Bible verses about planning.
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I don’t know about you, but I’ve had a LOT of plans in my life that went completely awry. Like, I didn’t get what I wanted AT ALL!
My “plan A” college choice, rejected my application. My “plan B” college, they put me on a waitlist (and then never contacted me again, how rude!). I ended up “settling” for my “plan C” college—my now beloved UMHB—which is where I came to know Jesus! Clearly God led me right where He wanted me to be.
And likewise, my post-college career plans have blown through plans A-F, all the way to, like, “plan G”! My desire to have a traditional career as a graphic designer didn’t work out… but through all those failures, God led me to start Divine Creative Love! And the rest, as they say, is history!
It’s not always easy to understand in the moment, but God’s plans are definitely superior to ours! As the many Bible verses about planning testify, it’s ultimately His plans that prevail.
But, does that mean we shouldn’t make plans at all? No!
Planning can be an extraordinarily useful tool, to help us be more intentional with our lives, to make better use of the time God’s given us, and to do more good works.
What does God say about planning for the future?
What all the Bible verses about planning ahead DO say, is that we shouldn’t fool ourselves into thinking that our plans are superior. Like, we’re not always going to get exactly what we aim for, exactly when we want to get there. Our plans are often selfish, short-sighted, and even foolish… and even if they seem “good” to us, God may still have a different plan.
You’ve probably seen this happen in your own life, right? You made some plans to go north, but instead, the cold wind blew you southward. Or maybe you were trying to get from point A to point B, but on your own strength, you only made it halfway there.
But then, you might’ve realized later that God brought you to that alternative place for a reason. Maybe He made something good come out of something you thought was terrible.
And chances are, you still got farther (or did more good) than you could’ve if you hadn’t made any plans (or followed through on them). Which goes to show that “making plans” is not the bad guy here… it all depends on what kind of plans you make, and whether you entrust them to God.
20 Bible Verses About Planning
So then, what kind of plans should we as Christians be making? What does God say about planning for the future, and how should we go about it? To answer those questions, I sorted these 20 Bible verses about planning into three categories:
#1-8: Bible Verses About God’s Plans & Sovereignty
# 9-14: Bible Verses About Planning for the Future
#15-20: Bible Verses About Executing a Plan
Bible Verses About God’s Plans & Sovereignty
Have you ever wondered “What does God say about my future?”. Well, these future Bible verses tell you a lot about God’s plans for your life, and His sovereignty over your situation. If you struggle with control issues (e.g., wanting to go your own way, being reluctant to submit fully to the Lord), let these truths remind you that God is faithful and good!
From these first eight Bible verses about planning, we see that God is the only One truly in control… and therefore we can trust the outcome of our plans to Him.
1) Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
2) Romans 8:28 (NIV)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
3) Isaiah 55:9 (AMP)
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways
And My thoughts higher than your thoughts.
4) Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the LORD establishes their steps.
5) Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.
6) Job 42:1-3 (NIV)
Then Job replied to the LORD:
“I know that you can do all things;
no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’
Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me to know.
7) Philippians 1:6 (NLT)
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
8) Psalm 37:23-24 (NIV)
The LORD makes firm the steps
of the one who delights in him;
though he may stumble, he will not fall,
for the LORD upholds him with his hand.
Bible Verses About Planning for the Future
You might’ve heard that Psalm 37:5 says “Commit your plans to the Lord”. And that’s the gist of this next section of Bible verses about planning… if God is ultimately in control, and His plans are best, then we would do well to align our plans with this.
Through these examples of planning in the Bible, we learn what kind of plans are pleasing to the Lord—which result in the best possible outcomes.
9) Proverbs 14:22 (NIV)
Do not those who plot evil go astray?
But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.
10) Matthew 6:33 (AMP)
But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.
11) Proverbs 16:3 (AMP)
Commit your works to the LORD [submit and trust them to Him],
And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance].
12) James 4:13-15 (NIV)
Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
13) Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
14) Psalm 37:5-6 (NLT)
Commit everything you do to the LORD.
Trust him, and he will help you.
He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.
Bible Verses About Executing a Plan
Okay, so we’ve established that God’s plans are sovereign, and that we should align our own plans with His will. But what about the actual DOING (following through, or executing said plans)? These final Bible verses about strategic planning instruct us to work diligently and wisely, and to leave tomorrow’s results in God’s hands.
15) Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
16) Proverbs 15:22 (NIV)
Plans fail for lack of counsel,
but with many advisers they succeed.
17) Proverbs 21:5 (NLT)
Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity,
but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
18) Matthew 6:34 (NIV)
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
19) Philippians 4:6 (NLT)
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
20) Psalm 37:7 (NLT)
Be still in the presence of the LORD,
and wait patiently for him to act.
Don’t worry about evil people who prosper
or fret about their wicked schemes.
Want a great tool, to help you commit your plans to the Lord? The Divine Faith Planner will encourage you to be more intentional with your life, trust God with your goals, and partner with Him to do great things for His Kingdom!
My personal favorite Bible verse about making plans is definitely Psalm 37:5-6! It so clearly sums up all these Bible verses about planning: to commit to the Lord everything we do (verse 5). And, when we do that, God will make us a shining example of His love and light for all to see (verse 6).
It’s a two-part process: We commit our plans to God, and He makes good come out of them. Even when our plans seem to not go as planned… even when we fall short… even when we can’t possibly understand the bigger picture… God is working!
THAT right there, is the best reason we have to make plans that are good, God-honoring, and aligned with His will. The more we learn to do that, the more we can shine the light of Christ in this dark world. And THAT, my friend, is the best purpose we could ever have!
Hi! Thank you so much for visiting Divine Creative Love. I’m a Jesus-lovin’ girl, lettering artist, designer, and general creative-at-heart. And, I have narcolepsy. I blog about faith in God, overcoming challenges, and creative topics such as Bible journaling. If you’re new here, be sure and subscribe to my list so you won’t miss anything!
Hi! Thank you so much for sharing about how to plan and how to lean/trust on lord to make them happen! It’s a real blessing to know more about the actual purpose of the lord!
God bless you abundantly!
You’re welcome!