Guided by God in 2021 and AlwaysSample

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE AND GUIDEBOOK 

A few years back, one of my friends took a trip to Europe. It was her first time traveling overseas, and she was extremely excited. She asked me for advice about where to stay and what to do since I lived in several cities on her itinerary and was familiar with them. She took my advice but still bought a travel guidebook to learn what to do and scheduled tour guides to teach her about the cities' notable attractions.

Like my friend, we often look to books and people to guide us when we travel to unfamiliar places. But where and to whom do we look while traveling through daily life and unfamiliar life situations? We would be well advised to look up to our Heavenly Father, our ultimate, trustworthy guide, and in the ultimate guidebook, the Bible, for reassurance of His presence and guidance. The Bible is our guidebook, instruction book, and owner's manual to read, study, and teach.

God was the Israelite's travel guide as they exited Egypt en route to the Promised Land. He guided them in a pillar of cloud by day and in a pillar of fire by night and was always in front of them, leading them around the Philistine country by the desert road toward the Red Sea. Although the route directly through the Philistine country was shorter, God knew they might change their minds and return to Egypt if they faced war with the Philistines. Not only did God know their situation and His plans for them, but he also knew their minds. He was the light on their path that protected them from their enemies and guided their movements. 

God knows your mind and sees your situation too. He knows the plans He has for you; plans to prosper you and give you hope. Do you walk, guided by the light of His presence, which is the Holy Spirit living in you? Does His Word regularly guide your desires, thoughts, and actions? You are blessed to have God's living Word, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit to guide you clearly in all circumstances. Jesus is your shepherd who knows you by name. You are His sheep whom He leads beside quiet waters and guides you along paths of righteousness. Allow God to guide you in His truth and teach you His ways. He will never steer you wrongly, and He is continuously with you, guiding you on your life's journey. 

Willy Wiedmann's illustration shows the Israelites guided by a pillar of fire.