“I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with my eye on you, I will give counsel.” Psalm 32:8 CSB
One of the privileges of serving students in a seminary setting is that I get the opportunity to see God’s hand guide and direct them toward His plan for their lives. Often students come without knowing why God has even called them to seminary in the first place, much less what service opportunities He has planned for them afterwards. Walking by faith, not by sight takes on a richer meaning as God gives just enough guidance to make it through one semester at a time. Yet, time and time again as students are praying and seeking God for direction on next steps, He steps in and provides an opportunity at just the right time.
During this time of year as graduation nears and summer is on the horizon, both excitement for the future and anxiety over the unknown begins to build. You may be staring graduation in the face wondering what God has planned now that you have completed the training He led you to receive, or you may be wondering what He has in store for you this summer. What ministry opportunities may come? Whom might He bring into your path to serve? Which direction should you go?
You may not have answers to your questions yet, but God knows. In this passage, the psalmist reminds us of three things we can trust God to do when we choose to follow Him:
1) He will instruct you.
Though I do not always enjoy reading instruction manuals, I will admit that taking the time to do so results in a much easier process for putting something together. We need instructions for life too, and God’s word is full of everything we need for life and godliness through His divine power (2 Peter 1:3)! While not necessarily easier, life definitely goes much smoother if we take the time to listen to God’s instructions.
2) He will show you the way to go.
Thankfully, God does not leave us to our own devices to figure out how to walk this journey of faith. He promises that He will show us which way to go. When the path is unclear, we need to stick close our Guide!
3) He will give you counsel.
The Holy Spirit is our counselor (John 15:26)! God guides you through the Holy Spirit dwelling in you! Sometimes our circumstances speak to us through shouts, but staying close to the Lord, abiding in Him allows us to hear His still, small voice above the noise of life.
This walking by faith thing can be challenging. Some days the stress of uncertainty can seem overwhelming, but oh the joys that await when we choose to keep following His lead! You get to know God more intimately as you see how He provides and cares for you! So I would encourage you in this season of life to write down those questions. Talk to the Lord about it. Then be sure to record when He answers. One day you will look back and be amazed at how God has led and provided for you. So what is the way to go? Keep following Jesus each day, and He will show you.
Dr. Emily Dean serves as Director of Women’s Academic Programs and Organizations at NOBTS.
