Many times in life, we find ourselves at a crossroads, having to make huge decisions that could change our lives forever. Not knowing what to do, some of us depend on things that aren’t in our best interest. We run away from certain situations and find ways to escape our realities. To cope, some individuals run to narcotics and alcohol. Others lean on family and friends, who sometimes are just as lost as we are. It can feel lonely when you need life direction and don’t know where to find it.
The world can seem so dark and cold when facing uncertainties. Even though God created humans to be there for each other in a time of need, there’s only one person you can turn to when your back is against the wall. And that Is God himself. It’s so much easier to turn to our faith and seek life direction and guidance from God when in need. When we need encouragement, we can always turn to the Bible. The Good Book is filled with knowledge and God’s promises. He assured us He would lead and direct us on the right path.
Letting Go and Letting God
Many people act impulsively when making decisions and choose what they think logically is best for them. However, what may seem like the best decision for us isn’t always what God knows to be best for us. In Proverbs 3: 5-6, King Solomon spoke these words to his son. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” A lot of times, we make decisions based on logic and facts. Other times, we base our choices on our emotions or opinions. But God wants us to trust in and lean on him. We must always believe that what he puts in our hearts and minds will be best for us. It can be difficult to lean on God. Especially when you’re impatient and want to control things.
When I applied to my master’s program, I became anxious because I heard nothing back. I watched other people get accepted and became discouraged. I lashed out at God every day because I wasn’t hearing anything back from schools. Instead of waiting for an answer, I took matters into my own hands and started applying for jobs. I was losing control of things and wouldn’t say I liked it. In my mind, applying to jobs would give me back the power I was losing over my life. I got denied every job I applied to.
This made me even more frustrated with God.
I didn’t realize I was asking for answers, but I wasn’t listening when he replied. It’s challenging to tune into what God is saying when you have people in your ear. But I got my answer when I shut them out and submitted to him. I was already accepted; I just had to be patient enough to receive the acceptance letter. Giving God your yes and allowing him to lead you is crucial. Waiting on him is also important. God may not answer back or move when you want him to, but he’s always right on time.
His Time Is Always The Right Time
Many individuals struggle with waiting for God’s guidance or life direction. Waiting can become discouraging, tiresome, and depressing. When I have to wait on God, I sometimes get disappointed because I feel like he isn’t hearing me. Other times, I get worried because I always feel like he isn’t going to give me an answer in the allocated time that I need. Nevertheless, Proverbs 16:9 says,“ In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” This verse reminds us that we may have particular desires, but God ultimately establishes our way. We have to remember that God has a divine plan for our lives. Most want to take the easy route to reach our divine purpose.
However, God orchestrates certain events in our lives to properly prepare us for what is to come in the future. His route in our lives provides us with what we need to conquer our everyday struggles. Some of us need to be stronger in discernment, while others may need strength in loving others. Whatever it may be, we must continue to trust in God’s timing and leadership. Understanding that sometimes, the direction we seek may not come immediately or in the way we expect. But we can rest assured that he always leads us toward what is best for our lives.
Praying For Discernment
It’s important to have discernment when seeking direction from God. As I mentioned previously, hearing God when others were in my ear was hard. Isaiah 30:21 says, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'” When you’re seeking guidance from God, getting advice from others is healthy. God uses people sometimes as signs or to convey messages. However, asking God for discernment to decipher if a person’s advice is practical is also essential.
Sometime last year, I received an opportunity to shadow an oncologist. I was confused because I wasn’t interested in Oncology at all. Was this opportunity from God, or was it a distraction? I didn’t know if this was a good door or a God door for opportunity.
Nevertheless, God blessed me with the discernment to establish that it was a God door. A lot of times, we may get a chance at something and think that it’s a good one. And it may be. But sometimes, we get trapped behind good doors. A God door will lead you to more incredible opportunities and allow you to grow, elevate, and evolve. A good door will make you tired, unhappy, and feel defeated. When asking God for guidance and direction, be sure to also ask for discernment between the doors he wants us to enter and those that look good to us on the outside.
God Gives Us So Much More
Many other Bible verses help us when we need to seek direction and guidance from God:
- James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
- Psalm 32:8: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
- Jeremiah 1:7-8: But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not fear them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.”
- John 6:35: Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.
The Christian Mental Health Initiative website has a direct link to the Bible app on its Mental Health Resources tab. This app will help you access the Bible verses discussed previously. The website also links to other mental health and faith-based resources to help you grow in faith and get closer to God.
Seeking direction from God is a journey filled with ups and downs. Trusting in God, listening to him, and being obedient are all things that make this journey easier. Being patient and continuing to pray are also ways to make searching for direction from God simple. As people of God, we can find solace and hope by knowing God is our ultimate guide. God made a promise always to lead us and never to leave us. So, as a word of encouragement, continue to seek God’s leadership and guidance with an open heart, mind, and spirit because he is willing and ready to guide you.
A Prayer for God’s direction
“Dear God,
I need you today more than ever before.
I am trying to walk your path for me — but I am stumbling, and I fear I will fall.
God, I need your counsel and wisdom in this difficult time.
Please guide me where you will have me walk.
I’m faithful, and I’ll follow now and always.
In Lord Jesus’s name, Amen.”
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