Being led and guided by the Lord is one of the wonderful privileges of a Christian. Before we came to Christ, we were wandering as sheep. We could never have come back to our Master. It pleased the Lord to search and find us as a Good Shepherd, by giving His life. In His grace, He has brought us back to the fold and is constantly leading us as a Great Shepherd (1 Peter 2:25; John 10:10; Heb. 13:20).
Even though we know this truth, are we truly conscious of it and living accordingly? He is our Lord and the Master who is concerned about our safety, satisfaction, and progress. But do we take this seriously and abide by His leading and guidance?
Listen to what the Lord says to the Israelites, "Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go. Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river..." Isaiah 48:17, 18a.
Be Submissive
Notice how passionately the Lord God is calling upon the people of Israel to be submissive to His leading, for that alone can bring joy and peace to them. Beloved, in this uncertain world, as our knowledge and ability are limited, it is the care and control of our Lord that sustains us.
He knows exactly the path we ought to take. Our impression and preferences may go wrong. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Pro. 16:25. How we ought to yield ourselves to His leadership. Let us consider a few aspects of this divine leading in our lives.
1. He leads us by holding our hands, Psalm 73:23
"Nevertheless, I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand." The Lord is not far away from us. We walk together; He holds us and even upholds us on His shoulder, Psa. 37:24; Luke 15:5. We do not need to worry about the steps ahead. Our responsibility is to hold on to His hands and walk along with Him.
2. He leads us by His counsel, Psalm 73:24.
"You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterwards receive me to glory." As we walk with the Lord, holding on to His hands, He gives us valuable lessons, Mat.11: 29. Are we really committed to hear His counsel and live life accordingly?
3. He leads us with His eye, Psalm 32: 8c.
"I will guide you with My eye." He is watching every movement of a believer and carefully observing our path. Isaiah says, "He will lead His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom. And gently lead those who are with young", Isaiah 40:11. See, how thoughtfully the Lord takes note of our state. He leads us fully knowing our state; He will not allow anything that is beyond our ability, (Cf. Duet. 32:11, 12).
4. He leads us continually, Isaiah 58:11a
Without any stop or interruption, the Lord leads us. If at all we face any failure or feeling of an absence of divine leading, it is because of our own failure to acknowledge and appreciate the sustaining hands of God.
Even when we fail Him, He does not take away His attention towards us. In fact, in the most adverse circumstances of life God's people have the privilege to recognise the divine hands that lead them mysteriously. May His name be glorified.
5. He leads us to satisfaction, Isaiah 58:11
When He leads us, there is no confusion or complication. He will make darkness light for us and crooked places straight (Isaiah 42:16). He will lead us only to the right path and destination: to peace (Luke 1:79), to refreshment (Psa. 23:2), and to the right decision (Psa. 25:9).
Beloved, there is much more about the various aspects of the guidance and leading that a Christian is privileged to experience through the Lord Jesus Christ. He leads us by example (Jn. 10:4); He leads us to the end (Psalm 48:14).
Do not forget, it is through the Word of God that God speaks to us today. To be led and guided by the Lord, one should read and meditate upon His word. The satisfaction and peace of mind resulting from God's guidance and leading are indescribable and incomparable. G&P
