The other night, I was doing a devotion with my 2 munchkins, and we started talking about how Jesus helps us in our daily lives. My 7-year-old daughter Ellie, gave me this really confused look. She asked, “Mommy, how does Jesus talk to you? How does He tell you what to do?”

Talk about a deep question! Quickly, I realized that Ellie thought Jesus talked to me and other adults audibly, and she had been frustrated that she had not heard him yet. That blew my mind! Isn’t it interesting how children think? How do you explain to a 7-year-old how the LORD guides us in our daily lives? How do you explain it period?

It just so happens (wink wink 😊 ), that I have been studying Psalm 25 the last two weeks. Verses 8-9 say,

Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. (NIV)

• First, how amazing that our God, who is good and upright, instructs sinners, (that’s me!), in His good and upright ways! That is His grace in our lives; we do not deserve it. He is a good, good Father.
• Second, “he guides and teaches the humble…” It is important that we are right with the LORD. Harboring pride and sin in our lives is the fastest way to block His guidance and direction the Holy Spirit; we just don’t want to hear it!
• Finally, look  at the verbs in these verses. The LORD “instructs, guides, teaches…” Our God does not leave us hanging. What does he instruct, guide and teach? HIS way… The God of the Universe teaches us HIS way. If you have ever felt like you are alone and don’t know what to do, you are NOT! We serve a God who promises to teach us. This is just one verse, but it is ALL throughout Scripture.

Now practically how does the LORD teach us? Well I can only speak to my personal experience. I think I really burst Ellie’s bubble when I told her that up to this point, God HAS NOT boomed down from heaven speaking to me. Nor has he texted me. (My 5-year- old son actually asked me that question. ) I’ll tell you what I told Ellie.

One of the big ways God teaches me is through His Word. The more I read it and ask the Holy Spirit to teach me and open my eyes, the more I am blown away by its truth, power, and life. Just yesterday, my pastor taught a sermon on Daniel 6, the story of “Daniel and the Lions Den.” Do you know that I have been doing a separate study on Daniel, and I “just happened” to read Daniel 6 the day before? Do you think maybe the LORD wants to hammer something home from this passage in Scripture? I’m still trying to figure out what it is, and I am hoping it’s a figurative lesson and not a literal one.😊

What about you? Have you ever heard a message or read a passage in your quiet time, and then had a situation where it was so applicable that you could not deny that it was more than a “coincidence?” That is the power of God’s Word. Hebrews 4:12 says,

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (NIV)

The more consistently we are in His Word, the more it guides our lives. Psalm 119:105 says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and I light unto my path.”  I had heard that verse a thousand times but never really understood what that meant practically. Only recently have I experienced how God’s Word can literally help me walk in the ways I should go. I can choose to walk in the light or the dark, but I have the torch in my hands.

So back to Ellie. I did my best to explain to her how knowing God’s Word helps me go through life, whether I am scared, sad, happy.  Just when I thought I had completely blown it she looked at me and said, “Mommy! I think I understand! So you are saying that when I know Bible verses, I have them in my head and God will help me remember them when I need them? And the more I know the Bible, the more those thoughts are in my head? And they will help me wherever I go?”

Oh, how I wish I could just freeze that moment in a picture forever, that sweet little girl with her big blue eyes, so innocent and sure. Yes, baby. That’s exactly right. His Word will always be with you, wherever you go.

Show me your ways Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth, teach me. For you are GOD, my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:4-5 (NIV)

Enjoy your Monday, and may the Lord guide you in His truth this week 🙂

Natalie