Waiting on God’s Guidance

 

WAITING ON GOD’S GUIDANCE

By Carolyn Dale Newell

Be still, and know that I am God;

Psalm 46:10a

Exhaustion held me hostage. Physically, the insomnia had left me drained. Mentally and emotionally, two distinctly different dilemmas wreaked havoc in my mind.

A family member in a dire situation needed assistance. Should I help? How could I afford to help?

A major project stood at a crossroads. I needed to hear from God on which way to go. I felt trapped in a hallway with many doors, unsure which ones to open.

A dear friend texted me our focal verse.

Be still, and know that I am God; (Psalm 46:10a)

I clung to it like a hidden treasure unearthed. That was exactly what I needed to do.

First, I caught up on my sleep. A clear mind was necessary to hear what God was saying. I continued praying and seeking the Lord to confirm that He wanted me to tackle the project from another approach, almost starting over. Peace settled over me.

A few days later, I helped my family member with a monetary gift. Unsure about how I could make up for this expense, I acted in faith. My word for this year – faith.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

God worked both situations together…for good. Because the project met a delay, the funds I had set aside were not needed now. They equaled the amount I gave my loved one. That is so God! He took two unrelated problems and brought about good.

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

Let’s unpack Psalm 46:10 and understand what it means to “be still.” According to the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, (www.blueletterbible.com( the word “still” in this particular verse means to “desist from war.” The same word translates differently in other verses, such as “silent” and “rest.”

While I needed the physical rest, I needed the war in my mind to cease. I don’t wait well, especially when I am waiting on God to direct my footsteps.

The battle had to be silenced, so I could reflect on God. God is larger than any problem. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He is sovereign. And I want His will and His way.

Sometimes, the doors God opens are the doors I would have closed.

I wouldn’t have made these choices, but because I was still. Because I waited. Because I allowed God to be God, instead of charging ahead. These are the doors He chose, and because it is God’s will, it is also mine.

Friend, do you need to sit quietly, waiting for God to open a door in your hall today? Let the battles hush. And know that He is God.

Lord God, help me focus on You, not the battles swirling around me. Help me make the time to meditate on You, and know that You are God. You are my provider. You are my shield. You are my counselor. I await Your answer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DIG DEEPER

Read Psalm 46.

HIKING THE TRAIL

I know how hard it is to step back and wait on God but memorize this verse. Write it down. Let God guide you into His open doors.

Copyright 2018 Carolyn Dale Newell.

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4 Rules for Fighting Your Enemy

4 RULES FOR FIGHTING YOUR ENEMY

By Carolyn Dale Newell

And he shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel: Today you are on the verge of battle with your enemies. Do not let your heart faint, do not be afraid, and do not tremble or be terrified because of them.

Deuteronomy 20:3 NKJV

What is your battle today? Disease? Depression? A loved one’s addiction, or your own? Sin? Grief? Financial hardships? Persecution? The burdens that accompany caring for a parent with dementia or a child with special needs? Irritable relationships? Rejection and betrayal leading to bitterness? A child on the wrong road? An unjust judgement? An injury?

Take your pick or name your own, but everyone faces an enemy. Our bad choices may result in the foes we fight. In the majority of cases, our enemy is the same ancient adversary men and women have faced for years. Satan. The Apostle Paul explains,

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Eph. 6:12

The problems you are having with your husband, your in-laws, your co-workers, and your kids, are not with them. No, they are flesh and blood. The battle is really with powers and principalities, Satan and his demons. You must fight spiritual enemies with spiritual warfare.

God gave Moses instructions for war. No matter what our conflict is, they will help us today. Size up your opponent. When you see their vast armies, do not be afraid. God is with you. Remember where He has brought you from (Deut. 20:1).

The priests spoke to the Israelites on the verge of battle. Our focal verse contains the words they spoke as commanded by God.

Do not let your heart faint. Do not allow this battle and this enemy to stress you. Don’t be discouraged by what appears impossible.

Do not be afraid. This is the second time within three verses that the Lord makes this statement. We need a reminder. We get frightened, but we must reflect on who our Daddy is, God Almighty.

Do not tremble or be terrified because. Don’t allow things to overwhelm you. Don’t allow them to shake you up.

For each negative, God gave Moses a positive (Deut. 20:4). First, God is with you. When you feel faint, He will carry you. He is with you in the fire, and He is with you in the flood.

God fights for you. It is not your battle to fight, but the Lord’s. How did the walls of Jericho fall? Marching, trumpets, and shouting? No, God knocked those walls down. How did Gideon win his battle against the Midianites? Trumpets, torches, and clay pitchers? God struck the enemy with fear and confusion. Jehoshaphat marched out to battle with the choir leading the way, praising the Lord as He triumphed.

Finally, God saves you. God never said you wouldn’t face enemies, but He did say He would keep you as His own. You may be wounded, but God claims your victory.

Friend, you are prepared for battle. Know who your enemy is and cast fear aside. God’s got this.

Lord God, Thank You for the instructions You gave Moses centuries ago. Give us wisdom and replace our qualms with faith in Your victory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DIG DEEPER

Read Deuteronomy 20:1-4.

HIKING THE TRAIL

Who is your enemy? Trust God for the outcome. Faith trumps fear.

Copyright 2017 Carolyn Dale Newell.