“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

One night while driving home from work I ran into a fog bank that completely obscured the road. My first reaction was panic. However, I then looked down at the road and saw the yellow line marking the edge of the highway. What a relief to see that marker. A question often asked by Christians is, “How can I know what God wants me to do?” There are two parts to the answer of this question. One is general and the other specific. God deals with each of us individually. I can’t tell you what God wants you to do specifically, because that is God’s work. I can tell you how you can prepare yourself generally for His answer. This text of wisdom literature gives us the key. First,

Trusting is to have confidence in or be sure of something. When we trust God we are saying with all confidence, He will honor His promise and show us all we need to accomplish His will in our life. Sometimes we want to rush ahead of Him or look to some other source, but God wants us to prepare our hearts by committing ourselves to His time and His place. It’s not always easy to wait, but it’s necessary if we are to have spiritual direction we can count on. In Psalm 37:5, the encouragement is to, “Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring [it] to pass.” This is the essential first step. Also, there is a need for

CAUTION
“Lean not unto thine own understanding.”

Our human nature tends to be self-sufficient. In other words, we feel we can figure out all we need without having to trouble God. This is where the danger lies. Education, experience, bank accounts, even the best of intentions is no substitute for the clear direction of God Himself. To lean means to rely or rest. While it is important to take inventory of what we have that God might want to use, it is even more important to realize that God will supply all our needs regardless of what we have. (Proverbs 28:26) says, “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.” Our hearts are not trustworthy, but God’s word is. The third step for finding God’s will is

We acknowledge God by finding out all we can about Him. Knowing His word and His ways are great helps in understanding how He wants to work in our lives. The closer we are to our Father, the more we will know His will. Paul said, in Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” The Christian is to be in a continual state of renewal, separating himself from the world and to God. We acknowledge God by obeying, imitating, thanking and praising Him for who He is and what He is doing in each of us through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. Finally, this text speaks of our

CONFIDENCE
“He shall direct your paths.”

This doesn’t say He might or possibly or maybe direct, it says He will direct. To direct is to make straight, level or smooth. God promises to show us what His will is for our serving Him. We prepare ourselves for this direction by studying the word and submitting to His will. Look to God and not your own feelings. Seek scripture confirmation with chapter and verse. Commit all decisions to God and wait for His specific direction. The psalm writer encourages us with God’s promise, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” (Ps 32:8)

Our text explains the necessary steps to knowing God’s will. The need for commitment to God, caution in following our own devices, consideration of God in every area of life and confidence in His promise of guidance. Henrietta Mears said, “Will is the whole man active. I cannot give up my will; I must exercise it. I must will to obey. When God gives a command or a vision of truth, it is never a question of what He will do, but what we will do. To be successful in God's work is to fall in line with His will and to do it His way. All that is pleasing to Him is a success.” (Dream Big)

Finding God’s will is essential to the Christian understanding. My effectiveness and service are directly related. Today you hear a lot about GPS systems that tell you exactly where you are by using satellite technology. These systems are accurate to within a few feet. However, they can’t compare to God’s guidance when we follow His guidelines in His word. Finding God’s will allows us to walk in His footprints. God bless