By Colleen Shue, RPM Counselor
Many of us rely on a GPS navigation device for directions when we are driving. This handy electronic device is a global positioning system that pinpoints your location and combined with a database of maps and other information, it directs you to your destination. It also warns you when there is traffic or construction up ahead. It uses a friendly voice to give you these instructions and this voice is nonjudgmental and patient with the user. One of my favorite statements from this electronic voice is “recalculating”. We follow this electronic voice blindly, often not having a clue if it is correct. Because we do not know the way to get where we are going, we trust this device to get us there.
When you think about it, God is the primary GPS in our life, but many of us do not use God’s Personal Support. He gives us both a life map and a “voice” to guide us at each turn through the Bible and His Holy Spirit. The Bible is the map and God’s Spirit is the voice. He wants to lead you at every life turn, every unknown situation. This is His promise to you: “The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. “Psalm 32:8 NLT. So let’s learn about the tools He has given us and just how to use them.
First start with God’s map, the Bible. “All scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work “. 2 Timothy 3:16 – 17 NIV. God assures us in this scripture verse that all the instructions come from Him. We can trust His direction.
Sometimes, He directs us to recalculate and go a different way. Do you trust Him? Do you follow Him? Or are you more faithful to your car GPS? The landscape you see around you may look one way, but God sees it from up above. He sees where every road leads, and the curves you can’t see from your perspective. He wants to guide you around the turns and lead you because He knows the way, He has already mapped out the directions: “‘My thoughts are not your thoughts,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV
So how can we hear God’s thoughts? We need to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. God gives you personalized directions to help you navigate through the issues you are facing. The Bible says, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21 NIV
The Holy Spirit wants to give you daily guidance for your life. If you have never experienced the inner counsel of the Holy Spirit, you may have to read the instruction manual to understand God’s GPS. Jesus said, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26 Now, how can you remember something you never heard in the first place? That’s why taking the time to read the Bible is so important. It’ has all the instructions for life. Reading the Bible and learning more about God’s nature and promises will help you sync up with the Holy Spirit so you will hear when you are going in the wrong direction and need to recalculate.
You know that if we do not turn on and listen to the car GPS, you will not benefit and receive clear direction. So, it is obvious that you need to connect with God and trust in His direction and the road map He has planned for you. Praying is the connection to God. Praying regularly also helps us maintain a sense of dependence upon our Father and leads to a deepening intimacy with Him. Furthermore, God desires to bring us into agreement with His will. The more our plans line up with His, the more He is able to accomplish in and through our life. So connect through reading the Bible, meditating on scripture and prayer on a daily basis. You will be blessed and filled with The Holy Spirit.
The Bible says ,”Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” (Psalm 1:1-3)
Pray now, “LORD, guide me and show me the path to take in my life. Give me the courage to follow boldly after You. I trust that you know where you are taking me in my life. Thank you for being my personal GPS.”