On my way to a doctor's appointment one afternoon, I was driving in heavy traffic and sensed the Holy Spirit leading me to pray a very specific way, in addition to my usual travel prayers. "Lord, protect me and my vehicle from reckless and distracted drivers." A moment later, a man in the car behind me hit my vehicle's bumper with his own. Before I could react, I sensed the Spirit of God telling me, "Keep calm and pray for the other driver." As I obeyed, I saw in my rearview mirror that the other vehicle sustained no damage, and I knew in my heart that my own car was also unharmed. I find it interesting that this Passion Translation emphasizes the words "and its timing" when it talks about leaving our destiny in God's hands. I believe that throughout the ages, it has been human nature to try to make things happen, rather than wait upon the Lord for His guidance and intervention. I also believe that in modern times, it is even more difficult to wait for God to act on our behalf.

For example, I couldn't help but notice a post on social media last night, where a middle-aged man was suddenly single again, and he asked for advice concerning how to meet someone new. Most of the people recommended dating apps that they or their loved ones had positive experiences with. Only one or two people advised him to just go about living his life, waiting for God's timing and best for him. I am not saying that I am for or against dating apps. What I am saying is that today, we have more ways of getting ahead of God's timing and will for us than ever before. That means that there are more opportunities for us to be disappointed and disillusioned than ever before.

The author of this psalm, King David, knew the value of leaving his "destiny and its timing" in God's hands. When King Saul was hunting him down and trying to kill him for many years, David refused to try to take the throne before it was God's timing for him to do so. The Lord rewarded him by putting a crown on his head, and making him one of the greatest kings in all of history.

The next verse in this psalm reads: "Your pleasant path leads me to pleasant places. I'm overwhelmed by the privileges that come with following You, for You have given me the best!" (Psalm 16:6 TPT) David experienced the "pleasant places" and "privileges" that come with "following" God and His divine plans, and he received His "best" as a result. You and I can receive God's best, too - when we leave our destiny and its timing in His hands!

Prayer: Lord, please remind me often that it is by faith AND PATIENCE that I will receive the fulfillment of Your promises. (Hebrews 6:12) Teach me how to walk with You closely throughout each day, being sensitive and obedient to Your voice all the way. By an act of my will, I choose to leave my destiny and its timing in Your hands. Thank You that as I cooperate with You and Your plans for me, You will give me Your absolute BEST!