Bible Reading: Psalm 119:105-112
Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105
ON THE TV drama Early Edition, character Gary Hobson prevents life-threatening tragedies each week because he knows about them hours before they happen-thanks to the mysterious “early edition” newspaper left on his doorstep.
Think of the advantages to knowing the future. You could study for all those surprise quizzes in school, and you wouldn’t waste money on dates you know will be duds.
Wouldn’t you like to know in advance the details of God’s specific will for the major matters of your life? Wouldn’t life be less stressful and complicated if you knew for sure where you will attend college, what you will do for your career, and whom you will marry?
In his wisdom and love, God chooses to keep the future hidden. He chooses instead to reveal his specific will for your life one day at a time, one step at a time.
The critical first step to discerning God’s step-by-step direction for your life is God’s Word. King David wrote, “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105). The Bible is like the little flashlight you take on a late-night hike. It helps you see a few steps ahead of you-and that’s about it. But if you fail to keep the light trained on the trail at your feet, you’ll likely fall on your face and never get where you hope to go.
A second step to finding God’s specific direction is prayer. You can start by praying like Christ taught us: “May your will be done here on earth, just as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).
A third step is the counsel of mature believers. Getting wisdom from others helps prevent rushed emotional decisions and makes up for your lack of experience.
A fourth step is circumstances. As Paul discovered, God often opens and closes doors through circumstances (see Romans 1: 13). But you have to balance the direction you draw from circumstances with a knowledge of Scripture, sincere prayer, and wise counsel.
As you follow what God has shown in Scripture as his universal will and seek his specific direction through prayer, counsel, and circumstances, you can take the next step: Do what you want to do. Psalm 37:4 promises, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” What your heart desires is likely what God desires for you too. And if it isn’t, he will make it clear to you.
REFLECT: What would your life be like if God had left you to find your way in the world alone?
PRAY: Talk to him now about areas in your life where you need his direction.
