1/3/2018
In all thy ways
acknowledge him, and he will direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:6 ASV)
The matchless words of Solomon about divine guidance are found enshrined in the heart of this section of Proverbs: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6)." One of the great New Testament passages about the subject is found in (Romans 12:1-2), which presents a summary of what the Lord expects of us, and an appeal based on His love and mercy. "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.
But how do I discover God's will for my life? A danger confronting every person seeking divine guidance is the fact that one may be led by Satan just as easily as by the Lord. This is why John warned us: "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world". (1 John 4:1). How can we be sure of that divine guidance and direction? There are four key principles, I believe, that lead to God's providential guidance.
1. We must recognize that God's will for us has been revealed in the Bible. We will find God's plan, principles and purposes contained in the Scriptures. Paul said, "Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
2. We must make the commitment to do God's will. Jesus said "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven". (Matthew 7:21).
3. We must trust that God has the knowledge and ability to direct our lives. "And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. (I Thessalonians 2:13). You will not be directed by God unless you are committed to Him and trust Him.
4. We
must pray, asking for God's wisdom, "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. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who
doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person
should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. (James
1:5-7).
THY WORD
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path
When I feel afraid,
And think I've lost my way
Still, you're there right beside me
Nothing will I fear
As long as you are near
Please be near me to the end
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path
I will not forget
Your love for me and yet
My heart forever is wandering
Jesus by my guide
And hold me to your side
And I will love you to the end
Nothing will I fear
As long as you are near
Please be near me to the end
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path
And a light unto my path
You're the light unto my path
"Daily Devotions by Guy Roberson"