“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” –Psalms 23:1,4b NLT
Have you ever met someone whose first encounter with the leading of God was when it came to relationships? Or perhaps someone has approached you, claiming that God revealed you to them as their spouse. Earlier this week, we saw the significance of our relationship choices in shaping our growth and fulfilling God’s purpose for us, and we saw some green lights and red flags to look out for when making these decisions.
How do you make these choices? Our anchor verse describes God as our Shepherd. The Shepherd’s crook serves as both a guiding staff and a protective rod against adversaries. But what exactly is God’s rod and staff? How does He guide and protect His children? Primarily, through His Word!
Many times, we look for dramatic signs because we haven’t studied God’s word to know His mind on a matter. You might have heard people ask questions contemplating a relationship with an unbeliever. They go on to pray and fast for direction when the Word of God explicitly states that light should not commune with darkness (2 Corinthians 6:14).
As you grow in the Word of God, it becomes easier for you to discern promptings from God more effectively. You cannot claim to be open to divine guidance if you don’t read your Bible every day. Sometimes, we long for a voice to articulate what is unequivocally written in God’s Word. If you want clear guidance, prioritise the Word. You must be satisfied with it, otherwise, you will make many mistakes. God demands your attention to His Word. Place it above any spiritual encounter for your security (2 Peter 1:19).
Moreover, because the Spirit of God is within you, you are led by God (Romans 8:11), and you can trust Him to guide you. Train your spirit to be attuned to God’s spirit, and don’t dismiss inclinations toward or feelings of unease about certain relationships—investigate them.
At the same time, recognize that genuine leadings from God align with His Word. In matters of the heart, our sensitivity may falter. God will not be offended by your questions when leadings appear to be inconsistent with His Word (Acts 10:9-19). Supernatural experiences are fallible, and even the devil can masquerade as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Investigate what you see or feel, and God will provide confirmation. Rest assured that He will never give you any major leading without confirming it in multiple ways.
Another beautiful manifestation of God’s wisdom in guiding His children is through wise counsel. Proverbs 11:14 emphasises the safety found in counsel. Surround yourself with people full of God’s Spirit who can speak God’s wisdom into your life when you are walking in error.
Child of God, your Father is a master communicator, fully capable of leading you. Rest in Him, and trust in the final authority of His Word.
DECLARE THIS: The Lord is my Shepherd; I will never lack good counsel. In my relationships, I embrace supernatural leadership from God. God’s Word reveals errors in my life, and I align myself accordingly. Divine guidance and protection comfort and preserve me.
Bible Reading Plan: Luke 7:1-23