“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in His way.” — Psalm 37:23 (ESV)
The Lord Gives Direction
Isaiah 48:17-18 (ESV) offers a hopeful yet heart-wrenching promise of God. Scripture says, “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go. Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea.”
What would it be like to experience peace like a river? What would it feel like to float on a continual stream of rest and contentment? How would past circumstances have turned out differently if only we would have listened to the commandments of God? Isaiah makes it clear that a lifestyle of peace and righteousness is readily available to us if we will simply follow the Lord our God “who leads [us] in the way [we] should go.” Let’s open our hearts and minds to the Spirit of the living God today and ask Him to mold and shape us into followers of His direction.
Psalm 32:8-9 (ESV) says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.” The Lord is faithful to give direction. Psalm 119:105 (ESV) says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” God’s Word illuminates the ways in which we should go physically, emotionally and mentally. His Word is designed to influence the ways we think, feel and act. If we will choose to follow the direction offered to us in Scripture, we will discover a wellspring of peace and righteousness that completely drenches every part of our hearts with passion and purpose.
Scripture is also clear that God continues to speak to us and offer us direction straight from His voice. John 10:27 (ESV) says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” All throughout the New Testament we see God’s people living and working by the direct word of the Lord. The Holy Spirit loves to speak to us and give us knowledge of His plans for us. Our job is to keep our ears open to Him and to respond anytime He offers us direction. He longs to lead us daily into the incredible plans He has for us. He longs to direct us into abundant peace, joy and purpose. As His sheep, we must acknowledge the leadership of our Shepherd and trust in His guidance.
What situation lies before you today in which you need the direction of your all-knowing, loving Heavenly Father? Where do you need peace and righteousness today? Where do you need your path illuminated? Dive into the Word and God’s heart under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and search out His commandment for your life. Tune your ears to the frequency of God’s Spirit and listen to whatever He would say to you. May you discover the direction you need today as you pray.
— Craig Denison, First 15
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