Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Do You Need the Lord's Guidance?

 

                                            

                                             (Christmas at Michigan International Speedway)

If I knew what to do, what to say, and where to go during this pandemic, with its multitude of associated rabbit trails, I would not seek God for guidance. But I am seeking God for guidance, which indicates I am not always sure of what to do or say, and where to go.

How does one find the Shepherd's guidance? Dallas Willard counsels us this way.

1. Open yourself humbly to direction that may be contrary to your wants. 

2. Gain more experience with the way God's word comes to us.

3. Offer fervent but patient requests for guidance.

This is not some method, or technique, for getting an answer from God. This is about engaging, ongoingly, consistently, in a relationship with God. From the heart of the relationship we cry,

God, I am open to your leading, even if it takes me in unfamiliar ways.

God, teach me your ways.

God, lead me.

We see this in Daniel 10:12. 

Then [the man in the vision] continued, “Do not

be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set

your mind to gain understanding and to humble

yourself before your God, your words were heard,

and I have come in response to them.”