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Edward Fudge

'STILL WATERS' OF GOD'S GUIDANCE (1)
Recently I was impressed, on reading Psalm 23, with the statement that God leads us beside the quiet or still waters. He does not require us to live frantically, to pick desperately between alternative paths, or to choose our course in a panic.

Divine guidance often comes in very undramatic shapes. We might draw insight from a biblical story, or admonition or promise. We might see a light shining through from some past personal experience with God, or find new direction by reviewing the path he has brought us thus far.

We might obtain guidance through specific research, or by talking with wise and godly counselors, or by reflecting on our holiest persistent desires. Perhaps God will lead by placing strategic people and opportunities in our path at just the "right" time. When that happens, the believer ought not to speak of "luck" or "coincidence," but rather should praise the heavenly Father who is so faithful and who always abounds in tender mercy.


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Edward Fudge

'STILL WATERS' OF GOD'S GUIDANCE (2)

Recently I was impressed, on reading Psalm 23, with the statement that God leads us beside the quiet or still waters. He does not require us to live frantically, to pick desperately between alternative paths, or to choose our course in a panic.

Sometimes God provides guidance in extraordinary ways, such as by "illuminating" a particular Scripture, sending dreams and visions, or by giving an inner impression or nudge. He might direct through an angel, or speak in a divine voice (either silent or audible), or through some inspired word of prophecy or wisdom or knowledge.

The Bible provides examples of God leading his people in all these ways, and it is certainly a trustworthy guide on the subject. Reliable testimony abounds to the same variety of unusual leading today as well. Many of us would be surprised at the gracious and special experiences which God has given members of our own local church -- especially those of us whose churches are not charismatic and who do not talk often about modern miracles.

I am afraid we often miss much valuable assistance which God willingly provides for daily living, simply because we overlook, ignore, and sometimes actually reject, these various extraordinary ways he tenderly guides those earnestly seeking his immediate, local, temporary, specific counsel and direction. Let us pray for open ears and open eyes, to hear the Shepherd's voice and to see the path he shows.


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Edward Fudge

'STILL WATERS' OF GOD'S GUIDANCE (3)

Precisely how and through what means God will direct his people is in his sovereign, all-powerful hands. But I am determined not to miss anything he wishes to do for me or to give to me, simply because I did not believe it possible, or wasn't looking, or refused to listen when he spoke. "My sheep know my voice," said Jesus, "and they follow me."

Certainly the Bible is the ultimate source for universal, eternal, general truth. It is the Church's "canon," a Greek word meaning "measure" or "rule." That means that it is a reliable norm, by which all other messages thought to be from God are to be tested and measured. The very fact that Scripture has such a role suggests and presupposes that believers may expect to hear from God in other ways which are less certain, and which therefore must be tested by the "standard" of canonical Scripture.

"Rest in the Lord," the Psalmist encourages. "Be still and know that I am God," invites the Creator himself. He leads us beside still waters. Let us quiet our hearts and allow him to restore our souls. God desires to lead us -- in paths of righteousness -- for the sake of his own name.

For more on divine guidance, click here.