Direction. We all need it. We all need it constantly. We all know some of what we need to do to get the direction we need from God. We know we ought to pray. We know we ought to read the Bible. We know we ought to listen to the preaching. And we know we have to trust the Lord (Proverbs 3:5).
But there are a few more things I read recently in the book of Proverbs that are said to help us get the direction and guidance we need from God. I believe these are important, but I believe it's easy for us to forget about these at times as we seek for God's leading in our lives.
The first is Proverbs 11:3. The Bible says, The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them.
Integrity is defined as entire, unimpaired moral soundness or purity; incorruptness; uprightness; honesty. The Christian whose life and actions are at times characterized by dishonesty or less than irreproachable morality is one who will be unable to clearly see the path the Lord would lay before him.
Secondly, Proverbs 11:5 says, The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
Righteousness is defined as purity of heart and rectitude of life; conformity of heart and life to the divine law. It is nearly equivalent to holiness, comprehending holy principles and affections of heart, and conformity of life to the divine law. It includes all we call justice, honesty and virtue, with holy affections; in short, it is true religion.
The question we must ask ourselves as we seek God's direction is are we faithful to be obedient and do what we know God has told us to? If not, why would God give us further direction? If we're disobedient to what His commands, why would we be obedient if He makes it clear what decision we should make in a given situation?
A third passage is Proverbs 15:19, The way of the slothful man is an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain. Apparently, God does not obligate Himself to grant leading and guidance to lazy people. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might (Ecclesiastes 9:10) is the standard God finds acceptable because no matter what you do, it'll take diligence to make it work or to be successful.
So I know you've heard it before but here are 3 more passages to remind us…the way to get direction from God, the way to figure out "His will" for our lives is to be diligent to faithfully perform His stated will, as found in His word, and to trust Him to bless you for it just like He said He would.
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