Dear Ones:
Is it possible to go forth in the full assurance of God’s guidance and provision? The author of the book of Hebrews wrote, with regard to our drawing near to God, that we were to do so with “a true heart, in FULL ASSURANCE OF FAITH.” (10:22) How can this be? How are we to KNOW that He is leading, guiding, providing?
In every consideration of all that pertains to this life IN CHRIST, we always begin with the Beginning, with Him. Every aspect and concept that is applicable to this “life” has its origin, accomplishment, and realization in Him because of what/who He IS, and what He has declared. He speaks, and worlds are made. He proclaims the truth as it is in and by Christ, and He confirms it to us through His word. He alone has the power and the authority, the absolute commitment to DO exactly, and completely, as He says.
The Psalms are filled with the truth that God will and does lead those who will truly trust in Him, yielding all to Him. “Good and upright is the Lord: therefore, He will teach sinners in the way. The meek will He guide in judgment: and the meek will He teach His way…What man is he that feareth the Lord? Him shall he teach IN THE WAY that he shall choose.” (Ps. 25:8-9,12) Not only is David here declaring to us the character of God, but the will of God concerning guidance, His willingness and capability to guide, to teach, to lead. Beyond the objective truth of God’s commitment to guide sheep like we are, what is the “confirmation” that He gives to us by His Spirit, that we are following Him?
In Isaiah 55, the Lord reveals to us His WAY to be His voice, His word: “So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth…” (v.11) This declaration is followed by the promise, “…It shall not return unto Me void (…or, without effect).” As we KNOW the will of God, as revealed to us through and in His word, there comes the confirmation by the Spirit as it applies to our lives: “For ye shall go out with JOY, and be led forth with PEACE.” (v.12) This is that same peace that Jesus declares to be a gift of God by the Spirit. He gives us HIS peace. It is also that peace which acts as an “umpire” in our hearts, to confirm the way in which we should go. Now, it must be said at this point, that “guidance” may not come immediately concerning a certain matter. Sometimes there must be a working through a matter in prayer before we are brought to peace. If peace does not come to confirm, then we are either off base in discerning the will of God, or we need to wait until the Lord reveals to us what we need to know and understand. His delays are not necessarily His denials.
“Full assurance…” How can it be? Only by the conformity to the truth of God’s word, based upon His character and nature, and then, the confirmation by the Spirit, His peace which passeth all understanding.
Dear Father, grant us to worship Thee in Spirit and truth this day, and reveal to us the truth of Thy will as it pertains to us where we are, as we serve Thee. Grant us Thy peace in the way in which we should go, and keep us in that peace. Then, we shall walk before Thee in the full assurance of Thy presence and provision. We thank Thee for the Living Word, the objective word, and the Spirit, which confirms the word to our hearts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Love, Dad