“Do not assume that divine guidance flows only when you are in need of help. Guidance continues to flow whether or not you have problems. It transcends problems, heartbreaks, and traumas, flowing through dreams and illuminations.” – Caroline Myss

When we are open to Divine Guidance, we will receive it. It will come to us as the hunch, the inkling, the itch. It will come to us as timely conversations with others. It will come to us in many ways—but it will come.” – Julia Cameron

“The most wonderful aspect of the universal scheme of things is the action of free beings under divine guidance.” – Joseph Marie de Maistre

In an article I posted a few weeks ago (Still Waters – Walking Your Predestined Pathway), we contemplated a loving Creator who shepherds us – taking us to places of rest, peace and reflection.  It’s easy to embrace the persona of a God who is a leader and we, his followers.  In a comforting and secure way, we see Him out front, blazing the trail and making a way for us.

Thank God when it comes to the concept of guidance, as He is all of that and more!

This week, as I thought about how our lives are divinely guided, I was reminded of this verse:

“Whether you turn to the right or the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’“– Isaiah 30:21 NIV

God not only takes us by the hand (Isaiah 41:10), lights the way for us (Psalm 119:105), and leads us down straight paths (Psalm 27:11), He can at times, through His omniscient allowance, relinquish His power to our free will and choice – becoming a devoted follower, a constant companion and confidant like no other – allowing us to take the steering wheel and go in any direction we choose.

One of the most cherished gifts we have been given is our individualism.  Think about the power behind that gift – the ability to freely choose what to do, where to go, and how to get there.  Not even one of us is the same.  We all have varying likes, dislikes, and preferences – things that make us into the unique person we were created to be – one that shapes our journey here into the purpose and destiny it was intended to fulfill.

Religion and spirituality have been given a bad rap – painting a way of life that is restrictive, confining, and relegated to strict laws, commandments or doctrinal principles.  To be deemed righteous and in good standing with God, we must robotically follow.  It depicts a God who says, “MY WAY or NO WAY!”

It hurts my heart to know that so many people have given up on the idea of developing a relationship with God based on this twisted paradigm.  They view God only in an authoritative, autocratic way – a dictator who demands allegiance.  If we fail Him, we are abandoned, rejected, and lost.

But this verse points us to a truth about who God really is – not controlling, demanding, and insistent, but one who lovingly wants us to make our own choices, gives us the freedom to do so, and stays by our side as we navigate them – whether or not they are positive or destructive.

I love the promise this verse gives us – an assurance that no matter what direction we head in life, no matter what course we chose to take, there is divine guidance that follows behind us – never leaving us nor forsaking us.

When we SEE God in this light, we can boldly set a course – never worrying about moving away from Him or outside of His reach.  ANY direction we choose to take is accompanied by His divine guidance – always behind us anxiously willing to point the way to success and the fulfillment of our created purpose.

How many of you right now are faced with circumstances that leave you wondering which direction to head?  How many of you are fearful of setting a course or even paralyzed by the idea that you might choose to head the wrong way?

Rest in the truth of this beautiful Scripture!  Believe that if you head right or left, regardless of your choice, God is right behind you. You are being divinely guided – even amid setting your own course and taking the lead yourself.

Can we make a bad turn?  Can we choose the wrong direction? 

Of course we can, and we often do!  But when that happens, we are never lost.  We have never overextended the reach of God’s Hand or moved too far away from that all-knowing, gentle whisper that is ALWAYS available to us whenever we need it.

How can you NOT love a God who readily takes the lead if we want Him to, but yet is willing to humbly submit – lovingly allowing us to choose our own way and promising to follow right behind us – always ready to help, guide, and support us?

I pray today that you see God differently than you ever have before – a God who KNOWS THE WAY, regardless of whether He is leading or choosing to follow.  Trust you are always being divinely guided – never lost or abandoned my friend.  He loves you for who you are and loves it when you boldly set your own course – confident in His presence and guidance.

“Jesus, Savior, pilot me, over life’s tempestuous sea.

Unknown waves before me roll, hiding rock and treacherous shoal.

Chart and compass come from thee: Jesus, Savior, pilot me!” – Hymn written by Edward Hopper in 1871