One cold winter morning in November, my husband and I put on our warm layers and camo to head out deer hunting as we have done together for many years. We drove to the part of the ranch we had selected to hunt that morning, parked the truck, and gathered all our supplies for the hunt. Ken, knowing well where the deer stand was in the dark, led the way with the flashlight in hand. We walked down the road a little and then headed out into the brush full of cactus, rocks, and thick growth. I remember Ken’s instructions to follow exactly where he walked. Staying right in his steps kept me from the cactus bushes and the many obstacles along the way. As I considered how safe I felt being led and guided by his light, I remembered the verses that explain how Jesus is our way and light for our path. In John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” He also said in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never have to walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” Christ, my savior, shines His light in my life and is my guide. Paul explains, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed In the face of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6).
Continuing on, we arrived safely to our deer stand where we climbed up and sat down to wait for the first light. I can tell you I would never have found that deer stand in the dark by myself. What a blessing it is to be guided along! In a similar way, God’s desire is for us to follow His lead. How do we do this? We do this by staying close to Him, seeking and following Him daily, through prayer and Bible study; and as you do this He will reveal the path He has planned for your life. In his book Let’s Pray, Jim Banks wisely explains the blessings of this relationship, “God’s guidance stems from our relationship with Him. Our shepherd wants to feed us, carry us in his arms, hold us close to his heart, and gently lead us (Isaiah 40:11). We are to ‘pray continually’ (Thess. 5:17) because it’s impossible to discern God’s leading in our lives without prayer.”
Seek God in prayer and offer to Him your devotion. He wants you to seek Him with all your heart. If you seek Him and follow His path, He will carefully lead you. David beautifully described this in Psalm 16:11, “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” What a glorious thing it is to realize we are in the presence of the Lord as we pray. I leave you with this final thought shared by David Jeremiah in his article, Having the King’s Ear,“The greatest thing about prayer is the presence of God. In fact, the chief purpose of prayer is recognizing the presence of our King and being with Him. We are coming into the presence of a real King for companionship, communion, and fellowship.”
Elohim Chayim, Living God, reveal your ways to me. Show me your path. Walk beside me, before me, pointing the way. O living God, guide me and direct me. Make me aware of your presence when I am not. Give me discernment to see your work behind the scenes when I do not see your hand. And please go before me, as you did with the Israelites, to drive out my enemies and help me to settle into the destiny you have for me.
Tony Evans, Praying Through the Names of God
