“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

All people long for direction and purpose in life. As Christians, we can ask the Lord to guide us; we do not have to live without purpose. Scripture gives us some positive thoughts about the ways God guides us in His will.

Get Quiet with God and Examine Your Desires - Hearing God’s guidance begins with our minds and hearts. The Bible reminds us to “be still” (Psalm 46:10) as we listen for His leading, and to “be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)  The Scriptures are full of prayers you can use to ask God to focus on Him, such as: “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!” (Psalm 139:23)  Genuinely seek the Lord and “ask our God” (James 1:5) to put your thoughts in line with His desires for you.

Ask Yourself: Would Jesus Think This Way? -  It’s easier to hear God when your thoughts are in line with His. Choosing God as the ruler of your thoughts is important. Jesus said, “what-ever is in your heart determines what you say.” (Matthew 12:34)  We must also put God as the ruler of what we say, because “The tongue can speak words that bring life or death.” (Proverbs 18:21)  Again, we can look to Scripture for prayers that God will guide our words: “Let the words of my mouth be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord” (Psalm 19:14). Seek God’s guidance for what you say; think carefully before you speak, making sure each idea is in line with God’s teaching.

Let God’s Word Guide You - Thinking and speaking God’s word helps us live it out! The Bible promises that you can “seek His will in all you do” (Proverbs 3:6) and depend on Him to guide your paths. As you seek God’s guidance for your actions, pray back to God the requests found in the Psalms: “Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness”; “Teach me Your way, O Lord”; “Teach me to do Your will, my God!” (Psalms 5:8, 86:11, 143:10). God can build up your life so that depending on His leading is second nature!