How do we know what to do?

We've all heard them. Those profoundly deep aphorisms that causes us to take pause. They have fancy words that give a us a pretty picture of ourselves and make us feel empowered. Like this one. "Do not feel lonely, the entire universe is inside you." We feel good when we hear some quip with pretty words that make our lives seem more simple and more in our control. "The power is in you, the answer is in you, and you are the answer to all your searches: You are the goal. You are the answer. It's never outside." Eckhart Tolle. It is an easy trap. We navigate this life through all of its pitfalls. Many times when we are grappling with challenges that seem just too heavy to bear, we come across a quote from someone who appears to have all the answers. They deliver their message with a breathy calm and it is nearly impossible to imagine them ever franticly grappling with truth and feeling like peace is nowhere to be found. We have all been there. It is at these times being close to Christ is so very imperative. Most of us who call ourselves children of God want to follow the path He has for us. How many times have we begged and pleaded for Him to make the answer known to us and we will follow it! Well, God doesn't play games with our hearts. When we genuinely seek His will He will make it known to us.

 

It has been several days since I have written or posted to this blog because my family has been going through this very thing. We have been wrestling in prayer for guidance from Christ and for Him to guide our every step. There have been decisions to made that will affect our lives now and in the future. Our family has been diligent in prayer as to not make a mistake. God is always faithful. His love and desire for us is only the very best. "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" Matthew 7:11. It is not like the old game show Let's Make a Deal! We  do not take what is behind door number 3 only to find out that it is a big "zonk" when the real prize is behind door number 1. Life is confusing and there are so many big choices to make, each one with big consequences and ramifications. God is faithfully leading and drawing us gently. But how do we really KNOW? It is simple but do not confuse simple with easy.

 

First and foremost, Christ will NEVER lead us to be or do anything that contradicts His word. Whatever your path, it must be navigated in faithfulness and obedience to Him who is the author of our purpose.

 

Second, we must recognize and know his voice when we hear it. "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." John 10:27. This is better accomplished in advance of our times of decision making. We must spend time in His word to know what it says as well as spend time in prayer not just talking but listening to Him as well. We need to be people who recognize when the  spirit is speaking in circumstances. Let us pray for discernment, learn to comprehend the hand of God. When we look for Him in everything we will find Him in everything and that is a promise, not from me but from our Lord. "But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul." Deuteronomy 4:29. The only true peace comes from Christ. Those empty inspirational quotes and phrases tell us to look for strength within ourselves. These are hollow lies for the sole purpose of deceiving us and leaving us empty of the true strength which comes from our position in Christ Jesus. "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27. Christ gives us everything we need to know His will. We have the Spirit and His word.  It can be difficult to discern because peace does not equal taking the easy way.

 

Lastly, when we are diligently seeking and pursuing God's perfect will for our lives, listening for His voice, and being faithful and obedient to His word,  He will bless us. When we are consistently emptying ourselves of our own desires so He can accomplish His will through us, our desire will be His desire for us. "Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4. That does not mean we receive whatever our heart desires. This means that when we desire God above all things, even ourselves, the desire of our heart will be what God wants for us. His will is made known to us and is sought above all else. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:33-34. 

So, it goes back to being very simple but not easy. The peace and strength we get to navigate this life does not come from within ourselves, as the "inspirational quotes" would have us believe. They come from Christ alone. He is the source of all wisdom, peace, truth, and joy, and He wants us to have it. It is not a game of guessing where the hidden treasure is. It is knowing the treasure is in Christ and only in Him. It is knowing He is not playing hide and seek with us. His word promises when we seek Him we WILL find Him. We only have to lay our own desires to the side.