Tonight's Word 🌱

"Teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God. Thy Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness." - Psalm 143:10

Decisions, decisions. We make them everyday. They can range from what to have for breakfast, to what movie to watch, and these choices can be made in split seconds without much thinking because they are considered to be low-impact decisions. Then there are the high-impact major decisions. These can be contemplating on which university to attend, or where to live or who to marry. These are decisions that require a little more thought, because the way forward and their consequences can be life-changing, as they aren't easily reversible. It goes without saying that we all want the best possible future outcome. 

For the Christian, there is an additional dimension - we desire the assurance of a decision or path that has been guided by God. When one makes a decision based on ones own judgement, we tend to have to take responsibility for that path. However, when we sense God leading in a particular way, He takes responsibility for us, and we trust Him wholeheartedly for the path and its outcomes, even when things happen along the way that we don't quite understand. This, in my opinion, is the ideal kind of guidance I want in my life. Clear, God-given direction. On such a path, we feel confident, knowing that God, who sees the end from the beginning, has our best interest at heart and will lead us in a direction that is wise, and in our best interest.

We are not alone. We can call on Jesus to guide us in our path and decisions.

The Bible describes a particular encounter that I consider relevant to this topic (Matthew 14: 22-33). The disciples see Jesus walking on water toward them while they are sailing in their boat. Peter, in his eagerness and awe, challenges Jesus, if it is really Him, to make him be able to approach him on the water also. Jesus tells him to come, and Peter steps out in faith, walking on the water toward Jesus. I think to myself, this is what life with Jesus can be like at times. The choices we make based on His guidance may sometimes feel very much like walking on water. It is different, sometimes scary, a step away sometimes from the safety and security of our boat, not knowing what lies ahead, but on that water, all we see is God's hand beckoning to us to come, and we walk trustingly in faith. Recently I came to an unexpected crossroad in my life, and have some decisions to make. I have prayed about it, and I look forward in expectation. I want to move forward confidently in Jesus like Peter even when I cannot see the future.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for this adventure of life. Sometimes, life can be uneventful and smooth sailing, and then sometimes, unexpected twists and turns take place, and we are unsure of which way to move or turn, or what is happening. Lord, You know the end from the beginning, and we trust that You know what is best for us. Father, in times like these, we may not know what you are doing Lord but we want to allow for these moments to help us to learn to trust You. We ask Lord, for Your guidance in our life. Help us to not run ahead of You, but to allow You to lead in the path You would have us go, as we navigate the oceans of life. Father guide us. In Jesus' Name.

Be blessed by the following song. 🎧🙏🏽

Oceans [Hillsong]