AN UNPREACHED SERMON (161)
Photo by Cytonn Photography on Unsplash.
Meeting up with a bunch of students this week whom I hadn’t see since before Christmas, we went through the early January ritual of wishing each other a Happy New year. Perceptively one asked, “How long do we go on doing this? If we don’t meet someone this year until July, do we still engage in the formal handshake and greeting?” None of us had an answer. Presumably it just peters out.
But since we are still in early January it is appropriate to wonder what the year will bring. For Christians consulting crystal balls and reading palms is not something we ever do, but seeking God’s guidance is always on the agenda. Looking back to 2023 with the value of hindsight we can all pinpoint areas where God’s guiding hand was definitely upon us. We fully expect the same as this new year continues to unfold. In fact, we have God’s clear promise. “The Lord will guide you continually” (Isaiah 58:11) is His unbreakable word. It is particularly clear in the GNB translation. “I will always guide you and satisfy you with good things. I will keep you strong and well. You will be like a garden that has plenty of water, like a spring of water that never runs dry”. That is firmer than any formal new year handshake.
IT’S NOT IN OUR HANDS
Not all accept the possibility of guidance, of course. They see their lives in the relentless grip of fate. They see themselves as a kind of clockwork doll robotically treading a predetermined route over which they have no control. Whatever will be will be is their favourite song. In contrast the Christian in a personal relationship with Christ relies on the loving direction of a caring Father. Believers know that there is a sure leading from above.
We often refer to the wanderings of the OT patriarchs like Abraham and Moses, but they were never aimless wanderings. All the great figures of the past were confident of their journeyings being controlled from heavenly HQ. They were being kept on track every step of the way. They knew that God has a mind for detail and His mind took in every detail and every step. But the whole tenor of this passage from which our text springs is conditional. The promise of sure guidance is made on certain terms. God does not guide by remote control but through daily contact. Notice the “If”...”then” in Isaiah 58:9, 10.
SIMPLE GUIDELINES
As we move into 2024 we must not expect a detailed map and plan to be provided. God’s guidance is step by step and allows for several factors all working together to achieve God’s design.
Regular prayer must always stand first
The Bible provides the iron rations for the journey
Christian worship and fellowship play a bigger part than we often realise
Sharing with others our temptations, burdens, confusion is a great help
Everyday circumstances can become His guiding angels
SMALL DETAILS
These are all little things; but they make up the tiny hinges on which huge doors can swing wide open for us to move forward with confidence that we are in the right way. God often intervenes in the ordinary not just the extra-ordinary. Don’t despise little things!
Traversing such a route brings boundless opportunities for service as well as deep personal satisfaction. Like a well-watered garden and a deep spring, it will issue in lasting fruit.
“Jesus says that He will lead us if we trust Him day by day;
He will show us through the Bible, He will tell us as we pray”.
This struck a chord with me this morning and I need to come back and read this often! I’m reminded of the hymn “I do not know what lies ahead, the way I cannot see”, yet one stands near to be my guide, he’ll show the way to me”.