365 Days of the Great Names of God, Day 351: Giver of Direction

Giver of Direction

"Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, 'This is the way you should go,' whether to the right or to the left." (Isaiah 30:21 NLT)

My college daughter is an early childhood education major, and when she's home and talking about her classes, her dad and I love to hear what she's learning. (We joke that it's our tuition dollars at work.)

One of the lessons she shared with us is that current approaches to preschool and early elementary education advise not only telling a child what not to do but what to do instead.

I understand there's some controversy over this philosophy (and certainly, there is a need for respect for authority that does not require explanation or options), but I do believe God himself takes this tack sometimes as He directs us in what we should do and not do while we're walking in faith with Him.

"Don't do this," He tells us. "Do this instead."

"Do not be anxious about anything," He says. Instead, "in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6).

"Do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live," He says. Instead, "teach them to your children and to their children after them" (Deuteronomy 4:9).

"Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged," He says. Instead, "be strong and courageous, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9).

"Do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh," He says. Instead, "serve one another humbly in love" (Galatians 5:13).

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves," He says. Instead, "do what it says" (James 1:22).

Can you hear His voice behind you?

"Don't go the way of worry, forgetting, fear, indulgence, deception. Instead, go the way of prayer, thanksgiving, teaching, strength, courage, service, and action.

"This is the way you should go. Walk in it."