Dave’s Monday Blast – February 27, 2023

Last week we discovered that Psalm 32:8 & 9 is a powerful passage on divine guidance for our lives. It contains both a promise and a warning. The promise is simply this: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way that you should go; I will advise you with My eye upon you.” The warning is simply this: “Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check, otherwise they will not come near to you.” Our path at times seems unchartered as we journey through our Christian walk. It is comforting to know with certainty that the Lord lovingly guides us…of course we must choose to follow.

Pastor Charles Stanley shares four truths about how He guides us. 

1. God carefully watches over us.  (Psalm 139:1 – 3) “Lord, You have searched me and known me….” God knows you better than you know yourself, which means He’s more qualified than you to guide your life. He understands all your weaknesses, is familiar with every facet of your personality, and takes all these things into account as He directs your steps.

2. The Lord always chooses the best path for you.  (Psalm 119:71) “It is good for me that I was afflicted, so that I may learn Your statutes.” Even when times are hard, God’s plan is still good. He has not and will not ever fail you. We know this in our minds, but sometimes we look around and doubt that the path we’re on could possibly be the best. Suffering, illness, loss, trouble, unfairness and hardship certainly don’t seem good to us. That’s when we need to reread Psalm 119:71. The Lord chooses experiences for us that work for His eternal purpose of making us more like Christ. The question isn’t whether His is the right path, but whether you’ll trust Him in the midst of the dark valleys, dangerous passages, and rough terrain.

3. God provides everything you’ll need as you follow Him. (2 Peter 1:3) “His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence”.  The Lord gives strength when you’re weary, hope when you’re discouraged, comfort in loneliness, and wisdom when you lack understanding. No other guide can do all of this, and you’ll find it on no path but His.

4. God guides you with His Word. (Psalm 119:105) “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”. Perhaps the reason we don’t sense the Lord’s guidance is because we aren’t looking for it. Or maybe we’re looking in the wrong places, or to the wrong guides. The best way to recognize His direction is through the consistent reading of His Word. The more familiar you become with the Bible, the better you’ll be able to perceive His leading.

The key to following the path the Lord has established for you is to develop a humble, teachable spirit that’s willing to submit to Him at every stage of the journey.