Thursday, November 6, 2014

When I Pray for Guidance


            Most of us have prayed that God would help us make the right decision or give us direction in certain situations.  You may have prayed the simple prayer, "Lord, I don't know what to do. Please help me!"  Sometimes two choices seem equal and we just wish God would shed some light on which one would be better.  What do we do when we face something like this, and what can we hope God will do to aid us?
            David wrote in Psalm 31:3, "For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me;" (Psalms 31:3)  We are used to thinking of God as a guide.  He guided men like Noah, Abraham, and Moses in special, miraculous ways.  He guided the apostles, even breathing His words into their mouths and pens so that His Word could be written and preserved.  And we are familiar with the idea of His guiding us today through that word. 
            Knowing the source of wisdom when we are making decisions is important, but it's also reassuring to know that God can endow us with wisdom when we just don't know what to do or even what to pray.  James wrote, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." (James 1:5)  I need wisdom often...wisdom that I can't specifically request because, well, I lack the wisdom.  And God promises he is capable and willing to bestow it.  James did give some details about the wisdom God gives.  He said, "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." (James 3:17) 

 The One who created the minds and hearts of humans knows exactly what is best for us at all times.  When we can't put our finger on the exact thing we need to do at a given moment, it's ok to trust in our heavenly Father to guide us in a pure, reasonable direction.  So, walk in the light with God, and when deciding the direction you should go seems hazy, pray for heavenly wisdom and walk by faith.

----Darrell Powell

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