How do we receive God’s guidance?

The first step is to want to be guided by God and to realise that His primary guidance system is in his Word, the Bible. Psalms119 tells of the endless knowledge found in God’s Word, which is to direct, guide, teach, make straight, or even, point forward; because it guides, and instructs in the way of righteousness; makes our path straight, shows what is even and right, and points us onward to peace, truth, and happiness. It is our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, that we may be justified through faith; and by it is the knowledge of sin.

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to your word. With all my heart I have sought you; do not let me wander from your commandments. Your word I have treasured in my heart, which I may not sin against you. Blessed are You, O LORD; teach me your statutes. With my lips I have told of all the ordinances of your mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of your testimonies, As much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and regard your ways.  I shall delight in your statutes;

I shall not forget your word”- Psalms 119:9-16

By reading and constantly learning from it, we will gain the wisdom to perceive God’s direction for our lives. We may be tempted to demand answers from God, but David asked for direction. When we are willing to seek God, learn from His Word, and obey His commands, then we will receive His specific guidance.

Unfortunately, just as some people seek God’s guidance, so also others seek guidance from other sources outside God. Throughout the Old Testament, mediums and diviners were used to make choices. Great King Saul himself sought guidance from a medium and was judged for it (1 Samuel 28:4-19). At times God stepped into situation in which a person was mistakenly seeking guidance from another source. In one such case, God provided His own prophet, Daniel, to speak to a king who had exhausted the “wise men” of his land (Daniel 2:1-28). In another, Joseph was the man God had prepared to deliver His message (Genesis 41:1-36).

The New Testament records instances of ungodly guidance as well. There were men and women led by evil spirits who could tell fortunes (Acts 16:16). Scripture warns against such sources for guidance, because true wisdom and guidance can only be found in the Lord.

There are no wiles to godly guidance. This is all it takes: being in a full and close relationship with God. When we know someone very well, we can guess what that person would do in a given situation. If we are committed to God and know well His Word, then we will know God’s will in most situations. It will be clear without even asking. God bless.

• Prophet (Dr.) Abiara is General Evangelist, CAC Worldwide
skabiaraofciem@yahoo.co.uk