Directions? What should I do? Where should I go? What should I say? What should I think? In the Bible study that I'm currently doing, Experiencing God, by Henry & Richard Blackaby, we are looking at the concept of how God gives directions. In the Old Testament, God uniquely spoke to His people. They knew it was God. They understood what He said. When God spoke, that was an encounter with Him.
Okay, so how do I have that kind of encounter? When God speaks to me (not audibly, but in my heart), I don't always know that it's Him. Sometimes it's just lil' ole me trying to figure things out myself. Sometimes it's my codependent people-pleasing personality trying to fix everything and everyone around me. Heck, sometimes it's just indigestion.
I'll be honest, it's not always easy for me to hear from God. Especially if I'm so busy talking (whining) that I'm not open to receive from Him. There are also times when my heart is hurting too much. I'm just too shut down. Sometimes I wish that God would come and talk to me in a burning bush like he did Moses. Or perhaps he could send an angel to sit and have some Starbucks with me face-to-face? But alas, that doesn't seem to be his plan.
Isaiah 55:8 says, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways, declares the Lord." Yep, that's the truth. My thoughts are selfish. My thoughts are usually about getting my way, or feeding my flesh. But God's thoughts are so much higher than that!
This study is reminding me that God talks to me (and gives me directions) all the time, and in many different ways: through the Holy Spirit, the Bible, and through prayer. He also uses songs, sermons, and best of all, Godly friends. If I want directions, all I need to do is ask. And then shut up and listen.
"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life." Amen (Psalm 143:8)
