Soul Care - Guidance
by Mary Elsbury
Over the last few years, my Bible study group has used studies from various authors to delve into Hebrews, Isaiah, the 7 Feasts, and many others. After some discussion, we are going rogue – we are going to use just the Bible and ask ourselves some questions as we read, such as, “What do you learn about God and His character in these verses?” or “Is there a doctrinal truth for me to affirm?”
This summer, we were given a challenge – to read through the entire Bible from Memorial Day to Labor Day. I’m finding many foundational disciplines that coordinate with my reading.
This month we are looking at the discipline of guidance. It’s unique because we often engage in it without much thought to be it being a spiritual discipline. Instead, we engage with guidance in a search for answers, in a hope that the Spirit of God will be a magic crystal ball of sorts revealing our future to us. In so doing, we lose out in a deep richness this discipline has to offer all of us.
One of the most powerful examples of God’s guidance is found in the Old Testament when He leads His people out of Egypt. In Exodus 13:21-22 we read, “By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.”
Guidance is something not only to be sought after when life-changing decisions loom on the horizon, but in daily life as well. Seeking out guidance helps us stay involved in communities that challenge us to grow in our faith instead of becoming complacent. Seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit daily reminds us that we have been given a helper in this world. It also reminds us that we are not designed to make all our decisions on our own.
Seeking guidance from God isn’t a new idea. We all have those decisions where, no matter big or small, it’s important to wait on the Lord’s direction and timing. When all the paths ahead seem equally good or bad, how can we know which one to pick? Sometimes we need outside wisdom because we are too close to the problem. At other times, our burden is too heavy, and we need the guidance of someone who has already walked the road before us.
The Israelites had the advantage of having divine guidance in the form of a pillar of cloud or fire to guide their steps. While we are waiting on God for guidance, we can take an active role in the process. We can ask the Holy Spirit to expose any wrong doing and, if found, confess and repent to correct the situation. We can listen attentively for the Lord. It’s hard to sit and wait for God to speak, especially when emotions run high or there is pressure to make a quick decision. We need to petition God with requests and seek His direction.
It is a gift to have people in our lives who urge us to listen for God’s voice. By reading through Scripture to see all the issues people faced and how things could have been avoided if they listened before they acted puts things in perspective. What frustrating problems or decisions are you facing today? Who could help you see things a little more clearly? Ask God for friends and mentors to guide you, as well as having an open heart and a listening ear to hear.
I’m excited about the summer Bible challenge and am waiting expectantly to see what God wants me to see through His Word.
For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. Psalm 48:14
