God's Guidance

God’s Guidance

There are three Hebrew words that are used to describe the way God guides us. When we look at these words we can learn so much about God’s guidance:

• Nahag – to lead along a path. This word is used of a leader who governs, shelters and leads. Look at these verses that show God’s strength as He leads His people

Ps. 27:11 Teach me Your way, O Lord,
And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.

Ps. 61:3 For You have been a shelter for me,
A strong tower from the enemy.

Is. 58:11 The Lord will guide you continually,
And satisfy your soul in drought,
And strengthen your bones;
You shall be like a watered garden,

• Derek – to walk, journey, path, direction, course of life, moral character

Ps. 1:1, 6 Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;

For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Ps. 32:8 The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.

• Nachah – to lead with care like a shepherd, to give rest, to guide to a place of watering, to refresh (with food), to lead to a goal, to lead on a journey

Is. 40:11 He will feed His flock like a shepherd;
He will gather the lambs with His arm,
And carry them in His bosom,
And gently lead those who are with young.

Ps 23:2 also uses this word:  He leads me beside the still waters

Ps. 31:3-5 Look at how the Message Bible describes God’s protection and guidance during a time of great adversity:

You’re my cave to hide in,

my cliff to climb.

Be my safe leader,

be my true mountain guide.

Free me from hidden traps;

I want to hide in you.

I’ve put my life in your hands.

You won’t drop me,

you’ll never let me down.

This word denotes a great deal of care and protection. The Lord not only guides us, but He protects and cares for us along the way.

If you are seeking God’s direction for something in your life, consider praying like this:

Father…

-I come before You with a clean heart

-I submit to Your will for my life

-I ask for specific guidance for this specific situation

-I give my heart, mind and strength to seeking Your direction

-I wait on You, and turn all my attention to hearing Your voice

-I trust that Your will and Your way is always the very best for my life

-I will obey whatever You say, and will go wherever You lead me

God has wisely kept us in the dark concerning future events

and reserved for himself the knowledge of them,

that he may train us up in a dependence upon himself

and a continued readiness for every event.

Matthew Henry