PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 2:19-23
“Having been warned in a dream…” (Matthew 2:22)
I believe in spiritual guidance, that God helps and directs us through life.
Here we have God using a dream to guide Joseph in his role as Jesus’s father.
I don’t think God has used dreams for me, but He has directed me in other ways.
Through prayer journalling, bible reading, or helpful/challenging words from others.
Through bad experiences, gut feelings, or unexplainable God moments.
As I reflected on these experiences, I got a clearer sense of what I should do.
None of this can be scientifically tested or proven, but the results are there for me.
Many people may dismiss this ‘guidance’, but I can’t, it has helped me too many times.
I choose to see this as God’s world, and to see all things as under His guidance.
Nothing is by chance, all things are working together for His good purpose.
By being open to His guidance, we will see it, and benefit from it.
By being closed to His guidance, we won’t see it, and won’t benefit from it.
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” (Isaiah 30:21)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, Your Spirit is guiding me through me life. I sense it, thought I admit I do not always follow it. Help me to see the folly of ignoring Your warnings… and the blessing of following Your lead!
A calling.
Hearing the voice of God.
A nudging.
God still directs the path we must travel. He continue to lead and guide.
And when I fail to listen, I feel bad and the thought of not doing comes back to me. Remorse.
And yes the text from Isaiah comes to my mind time and time again.
Listen.
Do!
Lead me oh Lord, won’t you lead me
I am tired and I need Thy strength and power
To guide me over my darkest hour
For just open my eyes that I may see
Lead me oh Lord, won’t you lead me
Lead me, guide me along the way
For if you lead me I cannot stray
Or just open my eyes that I may see
Lead me oh Lord, won’t you lead me
I am lost if you take your hand from me
I am blind without try light to see
I continually seek and listen to God’s leading since that is the only way I can move forward!
My experiences have been more like yours – sometimes more ‘pointed’ and direct – most times more like ‘nudging’ of the spirit. When is was direct I remember objecting and wrestling asking God why not? But I was left with an overwhelming sense of not doing what I thought I should do. I find myself seeking for and listening for the Spirit’s guidance- I get uptight when I don’t.
Joseph receives directions twice in a dream. He goes where he is led. He trusts God fully and goes exactly where he was directed. May I, too, be open to how and where God is leading me, trusting fully in His guidance.