Day 24 | Trusting His Guidance – Lauren

Sheep listen to the voice of their shepherd and follow his guidance in their lives. They trust their shepherd, knowing his ways lead them to places that are good for them. Similarly, we are called to trust God’s direction in our lives knowing it is for our growth and His glory. 

Let’s start with the first part of this verse: He guides me. Remember that Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd in John 10. He says,

“He [Jesus] calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” -John 10:3b-4

He guides me. Jesus calls His sheep by name—He knows them intimately. He leads them out—He goes ahead of them, guiding them, which means He reaches every place the sheep’s feet will tread first.

The third word of the verse is also vital as it’s from the perspective of the sheep: He guides me. Jesus’ sheep follow Him because they know His voice—not only do they recognize His voice, but they trust the Shepherd enough to follow it.

Cath Livesey, in her book My Sheep Have Ears, puts it this way, “To follow in the footsteps of Jesus requires us to be people of faith and dependency, because hearing God is about having faith that he will speak, and then choosing to live in complete dependency on him: I want to know how You want me to live.” 1

Following our Shepherd requires us to know Him, allow Him to lead us, and follow where He leads.

Psalm 23:3b says He guides me along the right paths. The English Standard Version of this verse states, “He leads me in paths of righteousness.” Both translations imply a “rightness” or a “straightness” to the path. 2

Yet, sometimes in life, the “right path” feels anything but “right”! Sometimes the “right” path is bumpy and full of unpleasant twists and turns.

Maybe you have faithfully pointed your child toward walking with Christ, yet they just seem to drift farther away. Perhaps you’ve chosen a path of integrity at work—refusing dishonesty and gossip, but were passed over for a promotion. Possibly you’ve been praying for healing (physically, emotionally or relationally) for yourself or a loved one and the way of healing has not come as hoped.

When the “following gets rough” or the road seems unclear, we as sheep may be tempted to doubt our Shepherd’s voice, ignore it entirely, attempt to take a shortcut or turn a different way completely.

In these moments, remember He is your Good Shepherd.

“The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made” –Psalm 145:9

Remember that you are not alone on the path. Your Good Shepherd is with you, leading you and guiding your steps.

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do no be discouraged.” – Deuteronomy 31:8

Remember that you belong to Him.

“Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” –Psalm 100:3

Believing that God is good, that He is with us, and that He cares for us helps us to trust Him and that He is still leading us on “right paths” even when we don’t understand or like the conditions of the route we are on. He only exposes us to experiences that will strengthen and grow our reliance on Him and our faith that He is in control and knows what He’s doing.[1] 

Remembering these principles helps to live out the words in this proverb:

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” –Proverbs 3:5-6

REFLECT

1.    If “He guides me”, then who/what is He to me? What do I know about Jesus that can help me to trust Him?

2.    If “He guides me”, then what does it mean to guide? Where has God guided me in the past? How has that worked out for me?

3.    If “He guides me”, then what does that say about my relationship with God through the Holy Spirit? How can I trust Him better and follow where He is leading me?

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you for being a good and faithful Shepherd. I know that you guide me with kindness, compassion and care. When I feel uncertain about the way forward, remind me that you go before me and stay beside me. Help me to keep in step with you. Teach me to follow your voice and trust that your plans are good, even when I may not understand them or like the direction I’m headed. Fill my heart with faith and confidence that you would never lead me astray. In Jesus’ name, amen.

TAKE ACTION TODAY

Choose any of the Scripture verses listed above in this devotion (John 10:4, Psalm 145:9, Deuteronomy 31:8, Psalm 100:3, Proverbs 3:5-7) to read again. As you read, stop and meditate on each word in the verse (much like we did with Psalm 23:3b above). Reflect upon its meaning. What is the definition of each word? What is the concept behind each phrase and how does that apply to your life? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you unpack how the words can bring you understanding of who God is and how He may be asking you to submit and follow Him.