“Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.”

Psalm 143:10

Life coaches often use a tool called life mapping, and they’ll draw on paper from left to right a chronology of your life thus far, including high points, low points, major events, and so on. 

Recording the past is easy; recording the future is more challenging. We may not be certain of the future, but God is. And He can provide the direction we need.

The Bible is filled with verses and examples related to God providing directions for our life—directions based on God’s goodness and His love for us and what He wants to accomplish in and through us. Jesus even compared the goodness of earthly fathers to the goodness of God in providing what we need (Luke 11:11-13). 

God provides guidance and direction in a number of different ways, if we’re open to listen. First is through Scripture, which is the basic roadmap for every Christian’s life. Then through prayer and waiting on the Lord. Getting wise counsel from trusted and spiritually mature friends often helps, and asking God to give discernment to evaluate circumstances, and then the peace that comes when decisions are made in faith.

Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6-7,  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.“

Because of who God is – good, loving, and faithful – we can rest knowing that His guidance will be best. Do you need God’s direction today? It’s good to plan, but let’s make sure God’s will is preeminent.  Proverbs 16:9 says, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

Remember what Leonard Ravenhill once wrote:  “Men give advice; God gives guidance.”