Are you at a major crossroads? Need God’s guidance for a challenging child or teen? Facing a big decision and don’t know the right way to choose? This promise is for you…
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you. – Psalm 32:8-9
God desires to give us his wisdom and guidance. He longs to help us. He freely gives his wisdom to those who seek him. In Proverbs he portrays Wisdom as standing on the street calling out, practically begging people to receive it. There’s no reluctance on God’s part to guide us. It is only our failure to ask that keeps us from receiving.
Once when attempting to install a new toilet, I overtightened one of the bolts that attached it to the floor and cracked the toilet. When my wife heard my anguished “Argggggggh” she asked, “Did you pray about this before you started?” to which I replied, “No and I’m not going to.” It’s only our failure to ask for God’s wisdom that we don’t receive it, not any lack of desire on God’s part to give it.
God himself will counsel us – “I” will instruct you.” God, the only being in the universe who has infinite knowledge and wisdom, promises to personally instruct, teach and guide us. He knows all things. He knows all possible outcomes. He fashions the hearts of everyone. He knows what our child needs most. He knows what will happen if we take that job. He knows what choice will bring blessing into our lives.
God WILL instruct teach and counsel. It doesn’t say he might. We can be absolutely confident God will guide us and give us wisdom. He’s not playing games with us. He won’t fail to answer our requests for guidance.
The only requirement God puts upon us is that we stay near him. That he doesn’t have to force us to stay near with bit and bridal like a stubborn mule. As long as we continue to abide in Christ, he will direct us. As long as we regularly seek the Lord in his word and prayer, he will get his direction to us one way or another. We won’t miss it.
Heavenly Father, thank you that you have promised to guide us and give your children wisdom. I ask you for it today. Please teach me and instruct me in the way I should go. Please give me wisdom in the decisions I must make today. Thank you that you long to give me wisdom more than I desire to receive it. Thank you that you are generous and give wisdom without reproach. Please guide me for your glory. Amen.
