Guidance

Sometimes, things we have done in the past come back to haunt us. That’s what happened to Jacob. Years earlier, Jacob had stolen his brother’s birthright and their father’s blessing. Now it was time for an accounting. Esau, Jacob’s twin brother, was coming to meet him.

What’s on your mind? What do you find yourself thinking about? What are the default thoughts that occupy your mental energy?

Reflect on your life. Think about the ways God has worked. Contemplate God’s protection and guidance. Sometimes he has protected you from others; sometimes he protected you from yourself. He is…and always will be…your refuge.

A few days ago, we focused on Isaiah 9:6 in a general way. As we enter the week of Christmas and zero in on Jesus, let’s drill down on each name the prophet uses to describe Jesus. Let’s start with “Wonderful Counselor.” 

God uses life’s challenges to “wrestle” with us and help us see that he is stretching and molding us into the person he wants us to be.

This was a time in Israel’s history when the people did not know God. There was no godly leader to give guidance. Everyone did as he saw fit. The same thing happens today. When we do what is right in our own eyes, our life can be described in two words: “Train Wreck!”

It is the Spirit who directs us when we are confronted with these types of decisions. He is our Counselor who opens our eyes to see the right path to take. It is His ministry to lead us into all truth. David said, “I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me” (Psalm 16:7). Even when we close our eyes in rest, the Spirit speaks to our hearts.