(Read 1 Samuel 23 and 24)
The subject of Divine Guidance, in its application to the details of our everyday life and conduct, is evidently one of great importance; and it is one on which the minds of many saints are often greatly exercised.
“It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps”; but there is One of whom it is written,
There are important epochs in the life of each of us when the need of divine guidance cannot but be felt. But the word is not, “Acknowledge Him at such times as these,” but,
“In all thy ways acknowledge Him.”
Habitual reference to the Lord in all the details of life, makes it easy to confide in Him when any great crisis arrives; whereas if in general we pass on without acknowledging Him, though the heart may feel, when in straits and difficulties, the need of light from above, not being practiced in consulting God or familiar with His ways of guiding His people, little knows how to cast itself upon Him, or even to avail itself of such guidance as He vouchsafes. And though the Lord may, and often does, exceed His promise, and guide when in extremities, those who do not habitually acknowledge Him, the promise is, “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and” then, when difficulties occur, “He shall direct thy paths.”
It is not that we need always be asking, “What must I do?” There are things in which we know the Lord would have us to be engaged; but He is to be acknowledged in these things as well as in inquiring of Him when uncertain as to our path.
“It is God that worketh in you both to will and to do.”
“For thou also hast wrought all our works in us.”
One thing we must never forget, that if we are to have practical guidance from God, it must be in a path which is itself according to His mind and will. A vast deal of the uncertainty felt by Christians as to the details of their path, arises from the fact that they look for guidance as to details when their entire position is such as God cannot own. It is contrary to His Word.