(Akiit.com) I’ve shared many times from The Worship Center pulpit about the importance of God’s Word—all sixty-six books of the Scripture. There is no substitute for the written Word of God as a guide for your life—your decisions, behaviors, thoughts, and attitudes. Likewise, I’ve also shared about how daily time in God’s Word ought to be a rhythm in your life.
In addition to doing that consistently, there are situations and times in which the Bible may not, to your knowledge, speak specifically to your circumstances. What do we do in these situations? We seek God for His direction.
Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” God truly does want to show us what to do. Sometimes, he will show us through his Word; other times, he’ll nudge us in a particular direction. In 2 Samuel 5:22-25, God speaks directly to David to tell him how to defeat the Philistines:
“And the Philistines came up yet again and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. And when David inquired of the Lord, he said, “You shall not go up; go around to their rear, and come against them opposite the balsam trees. And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then rouse yourself, for then the Lord has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” And David did as the Lord commanded him, and struck down the Philistines from Geba to Gezer.”
Immediately preceding this passage, David had conquered the Philistines using another method given to Him by God. This time, however, God’s voice told David to do something different. Remember, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. What does that mean for you and me? It means we have to have a word from God in order to act in faith. We will not have faith unless we’ve heard from God.
In addition to spending regular, consistent time with God, before you rush into anything—even if it appears easy—you’ve got to pull aside and hear from the Lord. Faith is not blind; faith always relies on the Word of God. This is, in fact, why Psalm 119:105 literally says, “Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” In Bible days, people would have lamps; and the lamp would literally only light enough for them to take the next step. They couldn’t see the whole road ahead. The Bible says that’s kind of what the Word does for us—the Word of God is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path.
So whatever choices you’re facing today—no matter how small or familiar they might seem—take time to listen for God’s voice, and then do what he says. His Word is essential to seeing victory in your life.
Columnist; Van Moody
Official website; https://www.vanmoody.org/