It is easy to get confused, lost, or distracted when we have
the many possibilities in front of us that our lives offer but not all
possibilities are on God’s path for you so how do you know which is right, how do you discern
the way?
Guidance will be given if you ask. 1 Corinthians 14:33,
tells us "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace . . ."
This verse is one that has helped me so much in understanding whether something
is right, whether or not it is a part of God’s plan, if it is something I am
meant to do. Until I found this verse, I would go in circles with ideas or
projects or potential opportunities, to the point that I would be so confused
that I wouldn’t know what to do. When I finally understood that if it is
something that confuses me, then it is not of God. Period. There is no need to
pursue or question it any further. If it is causing confusion in our life, it
is not of God. If it brings inner peace, then it is most certainly of God.
Another few verses to help you discern are Psalm 19:7-9. I
am going to include the original King James verses and below them, the
translation from The Message because
both offer clear guidance in their own way.
Psalm 19:7-9 (KJV)
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the
testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart:
the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the
judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
Psalm 19:7-9 The Message (MSG)
7-9 The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives
together.
The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road.
The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy.
The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes.
God’s reputation is twenty-four-carat gold, with a lifetime
guarantee.
The decisions of God are accurate down to the nth degree.
When reading these, we understand some very important points
in helping us to discern God’s path for us:
- If it converts the soul and pulls our life together. In other words, is it life-changing in a positive way?
- If it is simple and easy to understand. Like the theory of Occam's razor, which states that the simplest solution is usually the correct one. If something is overly complicated; decisions, relationships, a job, a move, whatever the case, it is not likely the best solution and is not if God.
- If something feels right, then it is! If it rejoices the heart and brings pure joy, there should be no question. Of course, there are things that are bad for us that can evoke false joy so we have to know right from wrong to discern these. We usually know in our heart if something is right or wrong; if it is pure.
- If it is enlightening, if it clearly shows us a simple, joyful way. Enlightening can mean that it shows us a way that we would not otherwise have seen or thought. It could also mean that it is something that will increase our growth or awareness in life.
So the next time you are uncertain or confused about a
choice or what to do next, (and it can be anything from what to do with an
afternoon off to a life-changing event), ask these questions: Will it help my
life? Is it simple? Does it feel right in the heart? Will it contribute to my
growth? If the answer to any of these is no, then it is probably not the right
choice, it is not likely from God.
If you still feel unsure after studying these verses and
reflecting on these questions, continue to ask in prayer and read the
scriptures and the answer will be given you in due time. If it is not, then it
is most definitely not of God’s path, is not right for you or is not the right
time.
God’s guidance is always available to us over any matter
through prayer, scripture or other signs that are meaningful for each of us
uniquely. Wait, watch, pray, read and listen and you will be able to easily and
successfully make the right decisions given you of God.
About Cheryl Yale-Bruedigam
Cheryl Yale-Bruedigam has been writing spiritually for thirty years. With undergraduate studies in English and women's studies, she devoted over a decade of research and writing to women’s studies and spirituality. Author of What If We Are the Angels and The New Age of Christ (among others), she is now teaching and sharing A Woman's Path to Wholeness Through Biblical Teachings.
Order her books or find at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and ITunes
Subscribe on YouTube
Comments
Post a Comment