Thy Hand Shall Lead Me – Sunday, March 08, 1998
We human beings are, for the most part, strong-willed creatures. We want to do things our way, make our own decisions, follow our own path. But, when we have lost our path, when we stumble and feel mired in confusion and despair, then we yearn for someone to lead us. We long for a kindly light to give us wise and sure direction.
Blessedly, we have assurance that such light will always be available. Long ago, God promised His people: “For I, the Lord thy God, will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.”1 The psalmist David gave a powerful witness of his faith in that promise when he sang: “If I take the wings of morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.”2
Yes, we can be certain that God is ready to lead us at all times. The crucial question is: Are we ready to follow? Are we sure that our hand is in His and that our ears are attuned to His voice? Two guidelines can give us this comfort and assurance. First, if we develop the habit of asking for God’s direction, day by day, in small decisions as well as large, in confident as well as troubled times, then we have created in ourselves the frame of mind to follow His lead. Asking, seeking, knocking at Heaven’s door becomes a way of life—our way of life.
Then, if we mature in our ability to recognize God’s voice as He guides our daily lives, we will hear and understand His gentle whisper, no matter how loudly the winds rage about us. The only way we can be certain that we will hear and know the Lord is by carefully heeding the many ways He talks to us day by day. He will speak to us in prayer and in worship, through scripture, through Nature, through great and reverent music and art, through other people. The more we listen and ask for wisdom to discern, the more quickly we are able to recognize the kindly guidance of our Father. With practice and prayer, we filter out the false voices and come to know the true Shepherd’s call. We can then follow in faith, confident that He will “lead us into life eternal.”
Elouise Bell
1Old Testament, Isaiah 41:13.
2Old Testament, Psalms 139:9.
_________________________________
March 08, 1998
Broadcast Number 3,577