Divine Guidance (1)

Young people:

Our will is “the proudest enemy Christ hath outside of hell, and the cause of all the mischief which doth befall us.” These words were written by Thomas Manton (1620-1677), and they point clearly to our rebellious nature ever since the fall. We want to be as God. We want to sit upon the throne. Nevertheless, the Lord knows better than we do. The Lord is all-wise, all-knowing, all-powerful. His counsel shall stand, and He will do all His good pleasure.

It is about these things that I wish to write a few letters to you again— God’s will and our will. We want to do this under the heading “Divine Guidance.”

Is divine guidance needed? Is divine guidance useful to us? Alas, there are many people in this world who would answer with a resounding, “No!” A host of others would merely shrug their shoulders. Thousands are unconcerned about God’s will for their lives. The fear of God is according to the desires of their own hearts. They will choose according to the sight of their own eyes. What was said of Gallio in another connection is true of them: they care for none of these things.

But are we any better? By nature we slight God’s commands, we despise His counsel. No, we do not always do this openly; we cleverly attempt to cover it up. Nevertheless, how can we ever direct our own way rightly with an understanding that is darkened? With eyes that are blind? With a will so stubborn and proud, so depraved, so rebellious, so contrary?

Ah, young people, you know your life should be different. You know your life should not be like such worldly people, who neither know nor care about God. But is your life really different? Is the practice of your life distinct also in this respect, that you seek guidance of the Lord in what you do, or leave undone, in your daily walk?

Or is that something for God’s people only? Is this something only for Sunday and for asking for a new heart? But for the rest, we live as if we have no need of direction by the Lord? Does Solomon not say, “In all thy ways acknowledge Him”? We sing in Psalm 5,

Lead me in Thy righteousness, Let my foes assail in vain; Lest my feet be turned aside, Make Thy way before me plain.

Now would this concern only a part of your life? The third petition of the Lord’s Prayer is, after all, “Thy will be done.”

Divine guidance—yes, that is needed for every step in this life. God’s will must be sought for, and God’s will must be followed. David’s dependence on the Lord was such a good frame. If only we were given to live like this every day.

Direct my footsteps in Thy Word, From sin’s dominion save my soul, From man’s oppression set me free, That I may yield to Thy control.

When we speak of God’s will, we need to distinguish carefully. There is God’s hidden will, the will of His decree. This shall surely come to pass, and it is irresistible. For instance, if that hidden will of God concerning me is that I will have an accident tonight, it will certainly happen. That does not, however, permit me to drive carelessly, irresponsibly. Why not? That is because the Lord also has a revealed will for you and me. That is the will of His command. This tells me I should drive safely, carefully, not taking risks, but following the traffic rules.

Here it is the revealed will of God with which we are dealing, because “the secret things belong unto the Lord our God,” wrote Moses, “but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.” Read it for yourselves in Deuteronomy 29.

Young people, as we deal with God’s will, that holy will of His command, we know, do we not, that the great duties of religion are evident, for they are so clearly revealed in God’s Word. “Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God” (Jeremiah 3:13). “Repent ye and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15). “Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me” (Psalm 50:15). “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of Me” (John 5:39). God’s Word is very clear in that regard.

Moreover, the command of the Lord is exceeding broad, says David in Psalm 119. So the Ten Commandments, for example, encompass our whole life. “Thou shalt not kill” also means, says our Heidelberg Catechism, not dishonoring, hating, or wounding my neighbor. It means laying aside all desire of revenge; nor should I hurt myself or wilfully expose myself to danger. I must not have envy or any other cause of murder, but positively love my neighbor, show patience, peace, meekness, mercy, and all kindness towards him, prevent his hurt as much as in me lies, and do good, even to my enemies. So in this regard we cannot truthfully claim that the Lord does not guide how we ought to live.

But having said this, are there not many, many decisions in our lives which we have to make, and for which the Bible seems to have no direct provision, no direct command? What about guidance in that respect? Which clothes should I buy? Which courses should I take in school? Which books should I read? Should I ask that girl or go with that boy? For what kind of work should I try to prepare? And I am sure you can multiply the examples.

Perhaps you wonder whether the Lord deals with such things. Are they not too trifling? Does He guide even in those matters? Let us come back to this next time, the Lord willing. Meanwhile, do read what Solomon wrote about guidance in Proverbs 3.

The Banner of Truth on Cassette Tapes

Our monthly issues of the articles in the Banner of Truth are available on cassette tapes and in MP3 format for those who have difficulty reading. These tapes are produced by a committee in Canada, and the cost for a twelve-month period is $50 both in the United States and in Canada, which includes postage. The tapes can be obtained commencing with the March 2005 issue. Those desiring to subscribe to this service may contact Mr. George Eckhardt, 9110 Garden Drive, Chilliwack, British Columbia V2P 5M7, e-mail . A number of consistories have copies of the tapes available for loaning to their members.

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