God will be our guide - by Mick Smith

We will have recently read of the birth of Jesus and of the wise men who saw a star in the sky as it guided them to Bethlehem where Jesus was born. When they saw the star they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy (Matthew2:10).

Can you imagine what it must have been like for the shepherds who also saw some scary things at night as an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them and the glory of God shone around them? Then, equally suddenly, a multitude of angels appeared praising God. The importance of those events (besides the obvious announcement of the birth of our Saviour) was their response as they made haste to follow the guidance that they too had received.

​There are many people today who still look to the stars for guidance as they search through what their horoscope says each day. God does not guide through horoscopes nor does He always show such obvious signs as a star in the sky. But He does guide!!

As the people of God we can be sure that God does guide His people. He always has, He still does and He will always guide us. This is our God, our God for ever and ever. He will be our guide forever. (Psalm48:14)

There are many Biblical examples of God guiding His people. Noah didn't build the Ark on a whim. Abram didn't just feel to leave his home comforts. Samuel didn't opt to choose David to become king; Elijah didn't choose Carmel with a sense of the theatrical. Peter didn't just bump into Cornelius. Paul didn't leave Asia for a change of scenery. Jude didn't change his mind on what to write & nor did John write the book of Revelation just to while away the time spent in isolation. In each case there was personal guidance from God.

God has a personal plan for everyone He calls into His kingdom & it's important that we know that plan so that we might find fulfilment in our walk through life. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord (Psalm 37:23). I will instruct you & teach you in the way you should go (Psalm 32:8). For I know the plans I have for you (says the Lord); plans for good & not for evil to give you a future & a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).The path of the plan for my life is specific (Isaiah 30:21).

God's guidance is an integral part of the calling on our lives to follow Jesus. It is an essential element of God's redeeming grace that is lavished upon us & it is available to us all.

There is something for which God looks in any that seek His guidance. It's meekness. The meek He will guide in judgement & teach His ways. (Psalm 25:9). In all our ways we are to acknowledge Him & He will make our paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5)

If we are to be aware of the possibility of such guidance there seems to be the need of a life that is consciously surrendered to God. That, it seems, is a basic requirement. What does that mean? It means that the meek (those who depend upon, trust in & stay close to their God with an undivided heart) are most likely to be in a position to receive the guidance they seek. After all, our lives must surely be about there being less of me & more of Him living His life through me.

The Bible is a main source, not only of inspirational truth and teaching, but also of guidance.The Word of God is a lamp unto our feet & a light unto our path. (Psalm 119:105).When we are seeking guidance for our lives the Bible has to have a place of priority. There are other factors but the Bible has to be the bedrock of any guidance from God. However, it is dangerous to seek so called revelation from the Bible  that will justify our own personal feelings on an issue that could allow us to wander down a self-centred path.

Not only does the Bible make direct statements about guidance. It also states Divine principles which God expects us to adhere to in our walk with Him. Though the world we live in may have changed dramatically from the world of the days of the Bible the Word of God endures forever.
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The Bible says we are to put God first in all things.      (Matt  6:23)
It gives clear guidance concerning discipleship            (Matt16:24)

As we move into another new year let us determine to seek guidance and may what we find fill us with great rejoicing as we live our lives for the glory of God.