Read Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Early in my personal walk with Christ, I (John) participated in a Bible memory program, and Psalm 32:8 was the first verse that I memorized. It has always been comforting to me, and, like all Scripture, as Paul wrote to Timothy, it has proven to be profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16) God has been faithful to instruct me and to show me the path that He wants me to follow. I have not always accepted God’s guidance and I have sometimes strayed from His way. Without exception, it was a mistake to wander off the path that God had for me. Fortunately, as we learn from 1 John 9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. However, even though I know that I am forgiven for the errors I have made when I stray from God’s path, there have been consequences for my life.
Twice, during the 1990’s, I hiked for a couple of days on the Appalachian Trail, in North Carolina. The Trail stretches 2200 miles from Georgia to Maine. Over its entire length, it is marked by white rectangles, or blazes. These 2 inch by 6 inch vertical rectangles are painted in white on trees, rocks, and sign posts. Although maps and a compass are also essential for hikers, if you follow the blazes, you know that you are following the trail.
How can Christians be sure that we are on the right path or trail? How do we gain access to God’s instruction, teaching, and counsel, and stay on the path? One way is to study your Bible. Psalm 119:105 tells us, Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
A second way is to pray consistently. James 1:5 tells us, If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. Remember God’s promise that He will counsel us with his eye upon us.
A third way to be sure that you are on the right path is to seek guidance from other believers. Proverbs 19:20 reminds us to listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Proverbs 24:6 says, For by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.
These are not new ideas for those of us who are veteran attenders of church and who have heard hundreds or even thousands of sermons. So if we know these ideas, what prevents us, as Christians, from following the path to eternal life? The path is marked for us so that we don’t stumble or become lost if we heed God’s instruction and counsel.
There are lots of jokes related to the fact that men hate to ask for directions. Even though God’s counsel and teaching are available 24-7, our natural tendency is to rely on our own knowledge and experience rather than seeking the guidance of our heavenly father. Also, we can be distracted by various false idols. It is very easy to fall into the trap of placing the idols of wealth, career, ambition, comfort, or any of the other shiny objects that distract us, ahead of God. In this time of the Covid-19 virus, as we watch the news and deal with the most disruptive medical, financial, and social crisis since World War II, are we seeking the Lord’s counsel, and taking advantage of the comfort and assurance He offers? There is no need for “social distancing” from the Holy Spirit. God is in control.
Take time to reflect
What are the obstacles in your life that prevent you from following God’s teaching and counsel? What causes you to wander off the path that God has for you?
Take some time to pray for our medical personnel, those who are providing essential services during this difficult period, and for everyone who is on the front line dealing with the current crisis.
Take some time today to read and reflect on your Bible. During this challenging time, recall the words that God spoke through Isaiah to the people of Israel during their captivity in a strange land:
Fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)