Week 12
Psalm 73:24 “With Your counsel, You will guide me, and afterward receive me to glory.”
As God’s vulnerable “sheep”, Christians are totally dependent upon their divine Shepherd for all things. One of the great needs that God’s people have is the need for GUIDANCE. So many times, we find ourselves straying, struggling, confused, and uncertain about which direction in life is right. But our precious Lord Jesus has made arrangements for us to find His path for us as we walk with Him in and through our days and the challenges they bring.
Jesus provides the Bible for us. In the Bible, we have great teachings addressing great issues that challenge us greatly in this life. Even though the Bible was completed many years ago, it still speaks relevantly and powerfully to us in our lives today. The Bible never grows old, and it never goes out of date. As we read and interpret the Scriptures, applying its teachings and guidance to our personal lives, we find that we “hear” the good Shepherd’s voice speaking to us through the message of the Bible. Through the Bible, Jesus guides us in how we should live and address the problems we face.
However, there are times when we are forced to decide about a matter, and the Bible does not address the specific details of our problem. Or there are other times when we feel pressed upon by situations and circumstances that almost immobilize us, and we don’t know what to do. In these cases, the Lord Jesus has provided for us a wonderful provision called PROVIDENCE. Jesus continues to watch over us and guide us through circumstances and situations that keep us on the path. When God seems to be silent and inactive, He is working behind the scenes on our behalf to provide a way for us.
Our sweet Savior’s leadership and protection will accompany us all our earthly journey. God’s people never face a day or any event in a day without God’s gracious care and wise guidance. We will find at the end of our earthly journey, as we look back, that the Lord led us along the path. Even when we doubted Him, He was caring for us. Our perception of reality is not the definition of reality; reality is real regardless of our sensitivity or observations. God’s people will always find that the Lord is faithful to every promise He makes to us in Christ.
Then one day, one glorious day, the end of our earthly journey will come. He who has walked beside us all the way will then do the most remarkable thing; He will take us home to glory! This terrestrial path holds many tears for us now, but the day will come when our good Shepherd will walk us through the door of death to our bright heavenly home; He will receive us into His glory.
Christian friend, trust in your glorious Savior every day of your life; put your hope in His promise who said, “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). Your faithful Lord will guide you all along the way, then He will take you home to heaven. What joy!
Prayer: Dear Lord, please guide me this day; help me trust that You are leading me along my journey. I look forward to the end of this earthly sojourn when You will take me home to heaven. I trust fully in You for all things.