I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you with My eye upon you.
Psalm 32:8
So often I return to this Scripture to be reminded of the truth! As we walk through our daily lives, there are so many choice points along the way. It’s easy to get distracted by all the choices that need to be made. So how do we decide? Certainly, there are really big decisions – like possibly changing jobs, or moving to a different state or a new home. But there are also the daily decisions about how to spend our time each day. It’s not usually a choice between doing something bad or something good. But if we are walking with the Lord, we can be assured that He knows what is best.
Psalm 32:8 reminds me that the Lord will instruct and teach me in the way He wants me to go. My part is to be walking with Him in a personal relationship, asking Him to show me, and faithfully following where He leads. Many other Scriptures tell us that He is our Shepherd and He cares for us as His sheep. He knows us each by name and knows where we are and what we are thinking every moment.
The Psalms are filled with verses that encourage us to call out to Him because He hears us and knows what is best for us. When we seek Him, He answers – not always immediately as we want Him to, but always in the time which He knows is best.
The last part of Psalm 32:8 is especially meaningful to me. The Lord says, “I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” He sees me at all times. He knows me better than I know myself and better than anyone else knows me. Another favorite verse is 2 Chronicles 16:9 which says “The eyes of the Lord search to and fro throughout the earth, seeking to strongly support those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.” He delights when we look to Him for direction and help!
Here are just a few verses that help me to wait for the Lord’s direction.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord…
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.
Psalm 37:7
Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him… (Notice “wait patiently!”)
This morning our pastor prayed the following Scripture over us at the end of his sermon. It is a prayer that I want to remember to pray for myself and for others I know who need the Lord’s direction:
… we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God…Colossians 1:9-10
PERSONAL REFLECTION
Where do you need the Lord’s instruction, direction, and counsel in your life at this time?
Which of these verses has the Lord encouraged you with today?
It may help to write out your prayer, and then look back later and see how He specifically answered your prayer.
Thank you, Sherrilyn for these verses. “Wait patiently for Him” is so hard for us to do; we want answers now, and when we come right up to the decision and He hasn’t spoken, then what? Sometimes we have to take the next step and ask God to close or open the door. Everything He brings into our lives is done in love.
Thank you for this wonderful reminder. I’m so grateful we have the Lord’s instruction and counsel so we don’t have to do this alone.