Key scripture – “We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.” (1 John 2:3).

Did you know that God wants to show you how to live an abundant and joyful life?

He desires to lead the way for us through life, steering us away from temptation and sheltering us in the storms. He wants to give us guidance in our decisions. We are not to live as the world does, chasing after every new philosophical trend, instead we are to live confidently knowing that the only One we need to follow is God.

Pastor, Michael Yousef, says that, in order to obey God’s Will when He shows it to you, you need to be in a place of submission before God, willing to follow wherever He leads. You build that type of submission and obedience by spending regular time alone with God in prayer and in His Word.

The psalmist declared, “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.” (Psalm 25:9). If you focus on humbly obeying God, you can trust that He will show you His Will and guide you on the right path.

“This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Jeremiah 6:16a).

For many Christians, this is easier said than done. In theory, we all claim that we want to be obedient to God, but in reality we hold on to our own plans. We are willing to accept God’s will for us when it suits us, but we balk and complain when He points us in a direction outside of our comfort zones. We pray for Him to show us His Will, secretly hoping it will be something we desire, if it isn’t, we are disappointed. We claim obedience, but remain latched on to our own wants.

Sometimes God’s plans for us do not make sense. Sometimes they are uncomfortable or even painful. But if we truly walk in obedience to God, we will find contentment in whatever circumstances He may bring us into.

“Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers.” (Proverbs 4:10-14).

We can and should rejoice even in the times of teaching, training, and testing. We can trust that even if we make a misstep, our Sovereign God can and will lead us back into His Will.

The psalmist discovered the joys and benefits of obedience to God: “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.…I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:97, 100-105).

Unlike the worldly culture around us, Christians are not rudderless. We have God’s guiding Holy Spirit to show us the best course. But first we must surrender completely to following His Will and His commandments, even when they do not match our personal desires. We must also spend regular time in prayer learning His voice and His heart. The more we know God, the easier it will be to discern His voice from our own self-serving thoughts.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

If you are resistant to giving God full control of your life, confess this to Him in prayer. Pray for His help in developing a humble and obedient heart in you. Pray that He will awaken the hearts of other Christians across the country so they will also seek to obey His guidance.

“We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.” (1 John 2:3).

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, forgive me for not giving you full control of every area of my life. I turn it all over to You right now. I will no longer hold anything back from You. I want You to be in complete control of every aspect of my life. I die to myself and live for Christ so that it is Christ “Who lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20). Father, the world we live in is full of people who are wandering aimlessly through life, not knowing what they truly believe or whom they should follow. But as a child of God, I will follow You and live by Your Word, which is full of divine wisdom and guidance. I will not follow or rely on human principles. “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (Psalm 25:4-5). From this day forward, change me so that I am like Jesus. I want to live in true righteousness and holiness. Give me a humble and obedient heart and show me how to have a complete willingness to obey You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.