“Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my Path.” – Psalm 119:105 NKJV
Manuals are given with appliances for a reason. They are your guide to a smooth and enjoyable user experience. They provide clear instructions for setup, operation, and troubleshooting. Attempting to operate an appliance without reading the manual often leads to confusion and frustration. This can result in blaming the appliance or seller when the solution is actually in the unread manual.
Just as appliances come with manuals, the word of God in scripture is our guide for life, offering direction on faith and daily matters.
The word of God is a dependable guide. Herod proved this to us when the wise men, led by a star, came to Bethlehem to pay homage to the newborn King, Jesus Christ. He asked the Chief priests and teachers of the law where the Messiah was to be born and they referred to the words of Prophet Micah to confirm that it would be in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:3-6).
The encounter of Jesus and the men on the road to Emmaus is always fascinating (Luke 24:13-35). Jesus could have easily identified himself as the Christ and shortened the conversation. Instead, He expounded to them the writings of Moses and the Prophets which ultimately revealed his true identity. In like manner, He told the Pharisees who sought signs that the scriptures testify of Him (John 5:39).
This means every question, desire, solution and answer you seek can be found in the scripture. It also means that one of the surest ways God can lead you is through His word. It is essential to familiarise yourself with the word.
One way to function under supernatural leadership is knowledge. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). By learning about God through His word, we understand His ways. This enables us to discern His voice amidst the many voices that regularly attempt to fill our minds.
Your discernment of God’s leading is heightened as you continuously embrace the word of God. It has been jokingly said that if you want to hear God’s voice, read the Bible out loud. It doesn’t matter what extraordinary divine encounters a person has, they must be discarded with urgency if they do not align with the word of God. The Bible understood in its proper context is more trustworthy than any other kind of leading.
The word of God is a dependable guide for our lives; a trustworthy guide to the truth about God and the affairs of our lives. We must prioritise the word of God over spectacular encounters. When trusting God for His leading on any matter, spend time studying God’s word as much as you spend praying.
The Lord is faithful and He honours His word. Trust Him; trust His word.
Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 26: 31 – 75