The Bible says, “A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps”.
Proverbs 16:9. What does this say to me? In my heart I can make plans not only for today but plans that reach out into the future. However, a plan can only be executed in the present-day step by step. So, it is God who directs my steps daily one step at a time. So then how do I get the correct plan? My old nature will present multiple plans and each one will eventually lead to destruction. But if I believe God, I have Psalms 37:4 that says delight yourself in the Lord, he will give you the desires of your heart, (He will put the proper plan into my heart) and if I commit my way onto him, Him will direct my path step by step.
So, what if the path leads me somewhere I don’t want to go?
It means I am trying to look past today into the future when I’m told to look for today only. “Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” –Matthew 6:34 ESV The Psalmist says “He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death will fear no evil”. I have read this Psalm 23 many many many times and it wasn’t till recently that I saw that even though we walk through the valley of shadow of death we are on the path of righteousness and so I fear no evil for God is with me. So, he leads me on the path of righteousness along that path evil is around us and so it’s our obligation to prepare for spiritual warfare by putting on the whole armor of God and to fill our heart and mind with scripture that will protect us as we walk on the path of righteousness. So then it is one day at a time with a song in my heart and praises on my lips as I look up and walk triumphantly for the day.

But how do I cope when the physical pain roles over me? There are times when all I can do is cry out Father I hurt. Or when the forces of darkness invade my mind? I always start by confessing any sins that the Holy Spirit convicts me of. One sin that I always need to confess is taking my eyes off the cross and Jesus who saved my life. So, He tells me again and again stop looking in and look up.
In both circumstances I begin to recite scripture that I have memorized and sing songs of worship and praise that appear in my heart, a sign He is there. And why do I do this? It is God who led me on this path and no matter how I feel or how I am tormented He is there with me and will lead me through and protect my soul, Lord I believe help my unbelief. All things I do are done in an effort to get my eyes off me and on the Lord Jesus Christ.
 
I always begin by praying the Lord’s prayer.
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. *
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

As it is heaven. And how is it in heaven? He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain,
for the former things are passed away. All is made new.

Thank you, Jesus.