Psalm 139:23-24
As a child, I hated the game "Simon Says". My competitive streak focused so hard on mentally jumping ahead to anticipate what Simon would say or do next, that I invariably missed the instructions. I usually ended up being one of the first ones knocked out of the game for moving without Simon’s permission.
Losing on a consistent basis at such a simple game drove me bats. Simple Simon wasn’t so simple to me. Consequently, learning to listen carefully to discern God’s leading took a substantial amount of focus and discipline on my part.
Blaise Pascal, a 15th century French mathematician, physicist and philosopher, once said: “We only consult the ear because the heart is wanting.” As God’s children, our hearts long for our Father. He created in us a void that only He can fill. He gave us two ears but only one mouth for a reason.
God’s vision for our lives is much more than you or I could ever imagine or visualize. If we attempt to jump ahead or anticipate what God will do, we will miss the boat entirely. Listening carefully for God’s guidance allows us to realize the full potential that He has planned for us.
Psalm 139:23-24 is one of the most needed prayers in the whole Bible. King David, a leader of leaders with great vision, asks God through that prayer to be his vision and leader. As a leader and visionary, David understood a vital concept: those you lead must be able to grasp the destination.
David clearly understood that in order to properly discern and wholeheartedly follow God’s leading, he needed an intimate relationship with God.
Oliver Wendell Holmes, the American author and poet, penned these immortal words: “The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving.” As Christians our compass points directly to God. We can move toward Him with confidence. He will never lead us astray. He promises to lead you and I in the way everlasting.
We can cling to that promise with every fiber of our being. No guesswork. No playing Simon Says. No games.
Ask God now where He is leading you to follow Him.
How do you spend time with the Lord in your daily routine to honor and nurture that intimate
relationship? Please share with us in the comment section below.
DONNA PYLE is a speaker,
author, Bible teacher and worship leader with a passion for studying and
teaching God’s Word. Since launching Artesian Ministries in 2007, she has
authored 20 full-length Bible studies, as well as numerous smaller Bible
studies, devotions, and magazine articles. She has released two DVD-based Bible
study series and a small-group based Bible study book, The God of All
Comfort, through Concordia Publishing House on August 15, 2012. She
regularly travels throughout the U.S. and internationally, speaking at conferences,
conventions, women’s retreats, prayer luncheons, and special events. Read more
about Donna at her website.
Years ago, I was lead to use a daily devotional that covers a year. During the last few weeks each year, I begin my hunt. I look in Christian, Catholic, secular, and used book stores and even free books. I check specific events in my life by their dates in any devotional book that I find. Rarely do I select the first one that I pick up.
ReplyDeleteThis is where I begin. I also read the Catholic mass scriptures every day, and oftentimes another book of spiritual reading. Years ago, I worked in several Christian bookstores and had to be able to explain the many different versions of scripture to our customers. At that time there were 26 translations and many study bibles. I was fortunate that God began teething me on the scriptures then and today, I have reflected on many passages going back 30 years. As soon as I wake up in the morning, be it 3:30am or 7:30am, I have coffee with the Lord and read, write, and reflect on the days’ scripture passages.
coopyju@hotmail.com
Judith Coopy
Thank you so much for this devotion, Donna. You're so right. I think if the devil can't get us to avoid doing what God wants us to do, he tries to give us a hefty push--so that we run ahead.
ReplyDelete