With all the uncertainties of 2023, it will require wisdom to discern what to do. Here is a devotion that assures us that we can walk confidently if we commit each day to the Lord:

IN WORD The promise of this verse is extravagant, and the condition seems to be straightforward. If we commit our plans to the Lord—and it really does seem to focus on our plans—then we will find success. The doubter in our soul wants to say, “Yes, but . . . ,” yet the inspired Word doesn’t give us that option. It does, however, call us to look a little closer. There are two keys to understanding this wonderful promise of success: We must first understand what it means to commit to the Lord whatever we do, and we must also understand how God defines success.
What does it mean to commit to the Lord whatever we do? It doesn’t mean that we come up with our own plans and then ask God to bless them, expecting that He will unconditionally honor the whims of our hearts. It means that if we have made a commitment to honor God with our lives, and that commitment has shaped our whole manner of living, then He will ensure success. It means that a life dedicated to God will experience a God dedicated to life.
How does God define success? The perfect case study is Jesus. Did God consider His life successful? We know He did. Yet at the time, the world did not. He was an utter failure, a failed revolutionary who could not live up to His claims of messiah-hood at the most critical time to prove them. Yes, in God’s eyes, crucifixion is a success. So is persecution, hardship, and sacrifice. The issue is not status, achievements, reputation, or profit. It is godly character and eternal fruit.
IN DEED Know what it means to commit your ways to God and understand how He defines success, and the result will be a highly successful life. It may or may not appear that way to others, but appearance seems to matter little to God. Never look to blind guides to find out if you’re successful. The One who sees is the One who makes the final judgment on how well you’ve lived. Commit to Him, and the blessing of success is assured. “It is not your business to succeed, but to do right; when you have done so, the rest lies with God.” C.S. Lewis (in “Walking with God” by Chris Tiegreen)

No one who honors the Lord daily and humbly follows Christ through the leading of the Holy Spirit will ever be disappointed by God’s unfolding will. One may go through trials and hardships as we live in a world of systemic sin that impacts us biologically, socially, and environmentally. Nevertheless, God will preserve us and enable us to rise above the storms of life.
I’ve found that Ecclesiastes is a great book for reflection if we ever want to check whether our view of success is right with God. Take some time to read the book this week and ask the Holy Spirit to re-align you to God’s will as you continue the journey into 2023. Have a blessed week! - from Singapore, Pastor Sam