Depending on God’s Guidance

by Julie May

The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.”
Psalm 32:8

One of the most prayed-about, life-altering events in my life was the decision to pick up and move our family to a different church. The church that we left was my husband’s lifetime church, so this was not an easy decision. His family attended there, he grew up there, we married there, and our kids were growing up there. Our oldest was smack dab in her teen years. We felt something stirring in us. For a couple years we took steps to try to make things work, sought God’s guidance, and also discussed this with family and friends, but it became clear, God was moving in us to make a change. God gave us the strength, wisdom and direction to try a new church. I am thankful for God’s guidance; and that of my husband’s for this move. It has been a transforming experience and we have been blessed by leaps and bounds by the switch.

As with transitions like this, it wasn’t without hiccups or questions, but we learned a lot through this experience and how God’s love and faithfulness prevail. We feel nourished. 

I’ve also learned in order to be guided I have to be obedient and to do a word our pastor said in a recent message, “yield.” We can accomplish much when we align ourselves with the will and plan of God. The Book of Nehemiah has a powerful message of how much you can accomplish when you align yourself with God’s will and plan. Nehemiah and his followers do what seems to be the impossible because they are doing what God has called them to do.

What about daily and weekly decisions that need to be made along with others such as family and friends in your decision making? God does call us to seek wise counsel from others. 

Think about the simple concept of asking and seeking God first in decisions we are making, then leaning in on family and friends if need be. What would it be like if we went to His Word and took heed? What if when asked, “What would you do?,” I respond with, “Let’s go to the Bible and read and study what God advises us to do this situation,” AND “Let’s pray and seek God’s guidance?” 

I have been challenged and shaped in this spiritual discipline of Guidance. I am learning a new habit, and I am challenging all of us to slow down, yield, listen. I know sometimes I may not want to hear what God has to say about where He would like to lead me, but God knows exactly what I need and how I should proceed to advance His Kingdom. 

Here’s a challenge - even as straightforward as this is, why did it take me so long to catch on? 

Upon awakening each morning we thank God for the new day and for the new mercies. Thank Him for all that he has given you and all He will give you. Ask Him for guidance for your day (please see below). Ask Him to lead you in your day and ask who you should reach out to that day (to help, share the Good News, bless, encourage and/or to gain wise counsel from) and what He would like you to do with your time and God given talents.

I find this very helpful to start the day. I have also been able to follow this up with Bible reading, studying, and extra prayer time. All in all, it takes 30 to 60 minutes. I know this is hard if we’ve overslept, a baby is crying, a child is late catching the bus, etc. Please remember, we can tend to all these things and still talk to God thanking him and asking Him to guide our path for the day. 

So, how can we hear God’s Guidance? (to incorporate the following in the above challenge) 

• Through God’s Word & Teachings 

  Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
  Psalm 25:4-5 

  We trust God, looking to His Word. We acknowlede Him, yielding to Him in every area of our lives. We make room for God and desire to be led by God. We’re willing to do what God says.

• Through Prayer 

  If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
  James 1:5 

  We connect with God and walk with Him to experience His guidance. God understands our fear. We may feel anxious and afraid in our storms, but if we look to Him, He will strengthen and encourage us. 

• Through Counsel/Fellowship with family, friends 

  For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.
  Proverbs 11:14 

  God calls people to counsel each other. 

We are not meant to do life alone. 

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"God’s Guidance" 

By Tom D Blakely 

I had searched many times for God’s guidance 
But the Bible was not always clear. 
If it only read more like a textbook 
I could learn it and always be sure  

It was not that God’s word was outdated 
For it’s truth made more sense every day 
But it seemed I was lacking direction 
And not guided in God’s perfect way 

Then one day God replied with an answer…
All in Christ by the Spirit will see 
And not due to their schooling and wisdom 
But by humbly depending on Me 

Now I know there is more to the Bible 
That can only be known through God 
If we’re not right with God in the first place 
Bible knowledge will do us no good 

For one day God replied with an answer…
All in Christ by the Spirit will see 
And not due to their schooling and wisdom 
But by humbly depending on Me.