Jeremiah 10:23 “O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.”
Psalm 37:23 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.”
Direction is very important in life.
It has been said that young people make the most important decisions of their lives at a time when they are the least prepared for them. This can breed fear and uncertainty in the heart of a young person who wants to make wise and God-honoring decisions. However, for a young person that is completely dedicated to the Lord, they have the privilege of being lead by the ONE who knows all things – past, present and future. There are a few keys that we can glean from this thought.
- We must recognize and confess that our human understanding is insufficient.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths.”
God didn’t make us to be self-dependent. We see where being self-dependent got Adam and Eve in the garden. They took the chance of sinning in order to do something that appeared good to themselves. What could have happened if they would have sought counsel of the Lord before making that decision? No doubt the outcome would have been different. Our own understanding is an unsure foundation.
- We must acknowledge that each decision, great or small, is significant to the Lord.
If we aren’t careful, we view small decisions as nuisances to God. “Why bother God about this?” This reminds me of a time that the mothers were bringing their children to Jesus asking him to put their hands upon them. The disciples reprimanded the mothers, but God overstepped the correction to show his desire to answer the prayers of his people. It doesn’t matter how small and insignificant they may seem to us, God desires to intervene.
- We can rejoice in the surety of God’s direction when we are living a life pleasing to Him.
As Psalm 37:23 states, the requirement to having your steps ordered of the Lord is to be a “good man”. What does being a “good man” mean? In the Strong’s Concordance, it means a valiant man or warrior. We look at who is writing this – David – who was one of the greatest warriors of all time. We could say that an active person’s steps will be ordered of the Lord. How can God direct your steps if you are unwilling to move? God does not force us to move, but He will lead us in the direction we should go as we are willing to go where He leads.
In relation to this subject, I’m reminded of an experience about a month ago when we were on bus route visitation one Saturday evening. We were about to leave the apartment complex when Derek felt lead to give our last flyer to a young boy who had come to Kid’s Crusade back in August, but hadn’t come since. As we were walking in the direction of his apartment, a lady who we had met before came up to us and started pouring out her heart to us. We started talking to her of the Hope and peace in Jesus. We had a powerful prayer time there and she kept telling us, “I know God sent y’all here to talk to me tonight.” It is clear to me that God will lead as we are willing to follow.
Are you seeking for direction in your life? Trust God and go where He leads.
