GRATITUDE FOR GOD'S GUIDANCE
The LORD will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
Isaiah 58:11 (NIV)
If God is always guiding me, and I emphasize always, then I'm sure I'm missing a lot! I don't always seek God's guidance; when I do, I'm not always sure it's Him leading me. Have you ever felt lost? Have you ever made a bad decision or said things without thinking? If so, you're not alone. When left on our own, we can (and do) get into all kinds of trouble.
I'm encouraged by a few things in this passage. First, I'm thankful that God's guidance is even available. He hasn't left me to wander around, all by myself, trying to figure out what's going on and find my way. God, who sees everything and knows everything, is able and willing to guide me in every step along the journey. Second, God is always guiding me (one translation says continually). For me, this means that even when I make a bad decision or travel down a wrong path, God's guidance is always and only one prayer away. He is closer than I think and has promised to guide me. Always. This is great news! Third, I can trust His guidance because He promises to satisfy my needs and strengthen my frame (literally, give strength to my bones) even during the hardest times, even in the scorching heat. Thinking about this helps me feel more settled. I feel relieved that it's not all up to me to make life work.
I also love how the passage ends. God promises that when we seek (and follow) His guidance, He will quench our thirst, sustain us and make our lives fruitful and productive. Let's be thankful and seek His guidance together.
APPLICATION: Take brief pauses throughout the day and ask God what He wants you to know. Allow space for Him to stir your heart and put thoughts in your mind. Practice these times of silence so His voice will become louder than anything else you hear.
PRAYER: God, no matter what comes my way and no matter where You lead me, I pray that my eyes will be focused always and only on You. Help me learn to discern Your guidance more now than ever. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?