Discerning Divine Direction

Discerning Divine Direction

Discerning Divine Direction

Don’t you ever wish you’d receive every morning a fax from heaven telling you what you need to accomplish that particular day? That thought is a bit tempting when life is chaotic. But if we think of it a bit further we realize that would be terribly boring. Even if we feel that life is out of control, we can rest assured on these facts:

A) God has promised to guide us.

I will instruct you and teach you
    about the direction you should go.
    I’ll advise you and keep my eye on you.
(Psalm 32:8, CEB)

B) Sometimes we need to wait but it’s for our good.

Nonetheless, the Lord is waiting to be merciful to you,
    and will rise up to show you compassion.
The Lord is a God of justice;
    happy are all who wait for him.
(Isaiah 30:18, CEB)

C) God does give us direction, we need to discern it in our hearts.

If you stray to the right or the left, you will hear a word that comes from behind you: “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21, CEB)

How do we then discern divine direction? How do we know a decision is right? Here’s a short but surefire way to discern God’s guidance á la Ignatius of Loyola (in the Spiritual Exercises):

“It is characteristic of the good spirit . . . to give courage and strength, consolations, tears, inspirations, and peace.”

“it is characteristic of the evil spirit to harass with anxiety, to afflict with sadness, to raise obstacles backed by fallacious reasonings that disturb the soul.”

This means that if you prayerfully consider your choices, God will direct your decision making process. Remember that God will never guide you to go against the word of God. God’s plan for you will make you more fruitful. And if you stay open for God’s guidance, a certain decision will bring you peace. Follow that lead. Leave anxiety and restlessness behind and move towards peace.

Even then bring this decision to God in prayer for confirmation. God will let you know in your heart if this is his will for you. Time after time I have found that this really works. At the same time I always pray that the wrong doors will be closed and the right ones will be opened. It is amazing how some doors are really closed against all odds. And when the right doors are opened and you truly have peace, you can move on with gladness. Even if the whole world thinks you are crazy!

 

Gracious God,
Thank you for your steadfast love & guidance.
Give us patience to wait for your best timing.
Open our hearts to discern your direction for us.
May only your will happen in our lives.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: How do you discern divine direction?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you follow Christ wherever He leads you!

Image courtesy of Emanuel Neiconi. Linking up today withFaith Filled Friday.

8 thoughts on “Discerning Divine Direction

  1. I was really liking the fax idea… until you observed life would become boring. The excitement of the unknown would be lost. The joyous expectation of how God will show Himself on any given day would soon be tossed aside like so many other pieces of junk faxes… My dependence upon Him would suffer as I simply waited for a detailed fax instruction.

    God’s way is best. I choose to continue in His path, seeking His guidance, and following His direction.

    May the Lord bless you and keep you.

    1.  LOL…yeah, I know. I’ve been thinking about this for years now. But you’re right, Dusty. God’s way is the best. I think, getting a must-do fax would also make us puppets…and I really like that God wants to give us this freedom to come to Him. Thanks so much for your fun but thoughtful comment. Stay blessed!

  2. reminds me how i need to keep scriptures in mind throughout my day. i have two that I wrote on halves of notecards that i put in my pocket when i go to work. i don’t usually get a chance to pull them out…i usually don’t even get a meal break…but they and a small cross someone gave me for my pocket remind me occasionally of who i am and whose i am. right now in my life defeating the lies of the enemy is very important.
    My pocket cards:
    John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly”
    Proverbs 3:5 & 6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”

    1. Thanks so much, Linda, for sharing. Your scripture selection is powerful. They will keep you on the right track and defeat the lies of the enemy. You are loved & cherished by God Almighty! I pray for abundant blessings, divine protection, & clear guidance for you, sis!

  3. Mari-Anna, just wanted to let you know that your blogs frequently bring me interesting thoughts and impulses for prayer; because I’ve notice this particularly strongly this week, I just wanted to pass along my thanks and encouragement. Blessings on your ministry.
    Bradn

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