Navigating an Uncertain Landscape
It’s almost impossible to get lost these days. GPS systems in our car and on our phone provide voice-assisted, turn-by-turn, navigation to keep us on the right path.
Wouldn’t it be great if life itself were that simple? Each day we encounter various intersections that require a quick decision. Do we go straight? Do we turn left or right? Or do we make a U-turn and go back the way we came? Such decisions are not easy; in fact many are extraordinarily difficult.
So how does God guide us? What sorts of instruction does he give? Well, to answer that question, we go “old-school,” or more appropriately Old Testament. It is there that we find sage advice based on the wisdom of God’s Holy Word.
For example, Psalm 32, Verse 8, says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Now that’s pretty reassuring, is it not? God promises not only to instruct and teach us about the path we should follow, but he also promises to provide further counsel and keep his eye upon us along the way. When we immerse ourselves in his Word and stand firm in our faith, he guides us and directs us and makes his presence known to us, so that even when we travel a dark and unfamiliar road, we know that he is there to protect us and deliver us.
Isaiah, Chapter 11, Verse 2, emphasizes the value of the Holy Spirit as a commanding ally, especially in times of trouble, when he writes, “and the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.” Let us never underestimate the power and might of the Holy Spirit.
Of course free will, for better or worse, is part of our journey on this earth, but if we defer to the Lord he will guide us, as outlined in Proverbs 16:9, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” We are free to plan as we wish, but let’s be sure to consult with the Lord, seek his guidance, and invite him to lead the way.
In order for all of this to work, we must first be humble and acknowledge that he is in charge, not us. In Psalm 25:9, we are reminded that “He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.” Ego has no place in our relationship with the Lord.
Finally, Proverbs 3:6 suggests that we live this way: “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” In other words, he is here to lead; we are here to follow. Life is so much easier that way.
Find peace, comfort, joy, wisdom, insight, and direction, today and always, in the holy and sacred Word of God!
Until we meet again, Be Blessed! – Pastor John