December 30

The end of a matter is better than the beginning, and a patient spirit is better than a proud one. — Eccl 7:8 BSB

The wise man says that "man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps," and this is often true in natural matters, but invariably true in divine ones. Rarely can we foresee what will come of the things we undertake. We may begin with great hope only to have our hopes disappointed, or start with fear and find those fears completely unfounded. In most cases, our expectations are not fully realized, teaching us time and again that only the counsel of the Lord stands.

For those who are part of God's family and under His special guidance, whether our initial expectations are met or not, the end reveals the wisdom and goodness of God's dealings with us in both providence and grace. No matter how chequered the path may be—no matter how often, like Job, our plans are broken off or how we find evil where we expected good, or darkness where we waited for light—every child of God will eventually say, "Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You!" This assurance leads us to confidently declare, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."