How to seek God's guidance?

Different people have different opinions of what God's will be or how to find God's will. More often than not, many enjoy taking a verse our two to mean something definite but forget the Gospel as a whole. I thought it be good to connect the dots on how upside down God's Kingdom is, and how to the contrary God's guidance works.

Jesus says that cursed is the one who asks for signs, but blessed are you when you believe and do not see. Yes it is good to want signs to help BUILD your faith, however, the Bible says we should NOT seek signs, but seek God and His Kingdom FIRST, then the signs will be added. We are to seek God, NOT signs.

John 20

29 Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”

Matthew 16

1-4 Some Pharisees and Sadducees were on him again, pressing him to prove himself to them. He told them, "You have a saying that goes, 'Red sky at night, sailor's delight; red sky at morning, sailors take warning.' You find it easy enough to forecast the weather—why can't you read the signs of the times? An evil and wanton generation is always wanting signs and wonders. The only sign you'll get is the Jonah sign." Then he turned on his heel and walked away.

Matthew 6

31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God[d] above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

5 things to think about when seeking God's guidance.

1. Follow what is clearly revealed

We must be willing to do his will in those things he has already revealed, if we are to know his will in those things he has not yet made known. God has already made known the greater part of his will for us in the Bible.

2 Timothy 3

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

2. Most of God's guidance is unconscious

If we exercise trust and acknowledge him in every area of our lives, his promise is that he will guide us. We don't have to be aware that that is happening.

Proverbs 3

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

do not depend on your own understanding.

6 Seek his will in all you do,

and he will show you which path to take.

3. God expects us to use our intelligence

Horses and mules need to be forcibly controlled. God expects us, however, to use our intelligence. The New Testament says quite a bit about the use of our minds. We are to love God with all our mind as well as our heart (Matthew 22:37)

Psalm 32

8 The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.

I will advise you and watch over you.

9 Do not be like a senseless horse or mule

that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”

4. God doesn't show us more than we need to know

In this way we learn to trust him. I have found helpful the analogy provided by Peter's deliverance from prison in Acts, chapter twelve. The angel comes to Peter and wakes him up. His chains fall off. We could liken this to conversion when we awake spiritually, and the power of those things that bind us and keep us from being what God intended are broken. Peter then follows the angel with no understanding as to how he is to get out of the prison, or where he is going. In fact, initially he thinks he is dreaming. However, when he reaches the door of the cell, it opens. He keeps following, and when he reaches the end of the corridor, the next door opens. There is still the massive gate of the prison. However, when they come to it, it opens too. But doors do not open till we reach them.

However much we would like to know things in advance, there is no need for it. God wants us to trust him to open the right doors at the right time. And if we get to a door and it doesn't open, maybe God is asking us to wait as he has some more work to do on us first. Or maybe he is turning us in another direction. We mustn't gaze so longingly on the door that is closed that we miss the one that is open. It may be OK sometimes to rattle a handle, but not to kick it down! God will open it in his time, if that is right.

Our task is to follow and trust. It is his responsibility to open doors.

5. Don't tell God how He must guide

Maybe it is sometimes right to ask God for a sign. There is one instance in the Bible where someone did ask for a sign and specified what that sign was to be. It is in the story of Gideon (Judges 6:36-40). However, I note that in this case God had already made it very clear to Gideon what he was to do. He graciously acceded to Gideon's request, but only to take away any excuse Gideon might have for not obeying. How God guides is his responsibility. Ours is to keep informed and listening.

Whether it is a career, relationship, education, or any choice of that matter, Placing God first is the best choice you'll ever make.