MAN'S WAY! GOD'S DIRECTION

A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. (Proverb 16:9 NKJV)

The ways of a man, we justify them to ourselves, and think that they are necessarily right, but we are liable to be self-deceived. We must employ our sanctified common-sense, or, to adopt the phrase of our text, our heart must seriously and thoughtfully plan our way. First pray for direction; then weigh the pros and cons; then view the matter from the standpoint of trusted friends; see that your eye is single to do only the will of God; be sure that no selfish or evil consideration is allowed to bias or divert you: then make your decision, asking God to block you in whatever would be hurtful, foolish, or perilous. You will not make a mistake if you sincerely and prayerfully adopt these rules. If your eye is single (i.e., straight), your whole body will be full of light.

There is every reason why we should employ the faculties of judgment and choice. When Samuel sent the young Saul away, he said, "Thou shalt do as occasion shall serve thee"; we are also told of Peter, that when the angel left him, he considered the matter, and came to Mary's house.

But God's purpose is behind all human decisions. There must be room for man to devise his steps, else we should become robots. But all our volitions and choices must be ultimately subjected to the ruler and will of the Most High. Let us commit our works and ways to God. We must roll our burden and ourselves on our faithful Creator. Of what use is it to worry over past mistakes? We cannot undo them, but we can ask God to bring good out of evil. He will put right the mistakes, and compensate for the failures. Let the Father's hand direct your steps. If with all your devising and planning, you cannot settle the matter, throw the whole responsibility back on Him and ask Him to undertake it.

Let's seek to live so that our ways may please the Lord (Proverbs 16:7).  "We beseech you," said the Apostle Paul, "that as ye received of us how ye ought to walk and please God, even so ye do walk." We need to wait on God that He may show us the right way, and there is a sure sign. Jesus said, "I am the Way: Follow Me!"

PRAYER

Lead us, heavenly Father, to the paths we have not known. Make the darkness light before us, the crooked places straight, and the rough places smooth. Let Your angel lead us forward into the liberty of the children of God. I pray this in Jesus' name, AMEN.

God's Daily Promise

Promise #340:
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to My heart. 

Isaiah 40:11 (WEB)
He will feed his flock like a shepherd.
He will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom.
He will gently lead those who have their young.