This morning I received direction. I was mid-stream in presenting some needs to God when I stopped mid-sentence, because I suddenly sensed I needed to tackle some long-term stuff. So I started writing down plans for spheres of my life I want to see take shape over the next few years.
There’s one specific area in which I’ve needed guidance for a while now. It’s a long-term thing, and I’ve known in general what I want to do for some time. But I’ve lacked specific direction.
Now I have it. At some point this morning, the Holy Spirit snuck over and flipped on a light switch in my mind. I saw a picture of what could and should be: very clear, very simple direction.
This isn’t the first time this has happened to me, and I’m betting it’s happened to you before as well. And by describing such clear, specific direction, I’m certainly not implying that there isn’t room for good old-fashioned decision-making for a follower of Jesus. I didn’t ask God what he would like me to have for breakfast this morning or whether or not today would be a good day to go to work. But I do believe that our Father wants to direct us. There are bigger choices to be made about our lives that he can and will speak into – and that experience could make all the difference for our future.
How can we seek direction?
- Create space. Direction rarely emerges from amidst the noise. Instead, it ascends from the quiet depths of time we’ve set apart to consider our future with God. If you’re spending all your time doing life, you’re probably missing out on important input regarding how you should be doing life.
- Believe. Doubt holds us back from direction. If we’re convinced God is uninterested, unable, or uninvolved, we’ll find it impossible to be open to his guidance. On the flip side, faith opens our hearts and heaven’s door.
- Ask. If you’re traveling an unfamiliar road (without your smartphone), and you stop at a gas station for directions, you don’t walk in and stand silently before the cashier, staring them intently in the eyes. You ask! “I’m here. I need to get there. What’s the best way to do that?”
- Listen. Sometimes I miss out on the direction of God because I become impatient and unreceptive. I let stubbornness kick in, and foolishly assume that the first few things I’ve sensed from God are enough – I don’t need to hear the rest. Stay in position until the picture is clear.
Wherever you need to be led by God – in a relationship, a career decision, a financial opportunity, or a ministry commitment – create some space, believe in God’s desire to direct you, ask for specific instructions, and listen to the leading. You may very well find yourself directed.
So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives… (Galatians 5:16 – NLT).
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