The Bible is full of God’s promises to us. So I’ve chosen this to be our theme for our Bible Reading Plans for this year. There are many types of promises in the Bible, so we’re going to take a different type each month. This month the focus is on God’s promises of guidance. Throughout the Bible, God reminds us that he directs our path, so let’s spend a month leaning into his promises. You can find the links to the other Promises of God Reading Plans at the end of this post.
What does God say about Guidance?
Unless otherwise stated the Scripture References are taken from the English Standard Version, with links to biblegateway.com. While referring to lots of different versions in my study, I generally use the ESV Women’s Study Bible.
The Bible clearly tells us that God is in control.
I declare the end from the beginning, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying: my plan will take place and I will do all my will. Isaiah 46:10 CSB
But more than that, it tells us that God will guide you. This Bible Reading Plan includes Bible verses for guidance in decision making and Bible verses about letting God lead your life. We must play our part in seeking his guidance and following his lead.
I love the way this is put in The Passion Translation of Psalm 32:8 and 9. He promises to instruct, guide, advise and lead us, and all we have to do is come – don’t be stubborn!
God’s Word in the Scriptures is full of instructions for how we should live. It is important for us to know His Word, so we must read the Bible carefully and regularly.
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105
The Holy Spirit
Jesus told us that the Holy Spirit would guide us and teach us.
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26
Ask
How do you ask God for help and guidance?
We can ask God to guide us through our prayers and then seek the answers in Scripture, advice from others or the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long. Psalm 25:4-5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5
Trust and Obey
Finally, we need to trust God. We need to trust that his plans are best and that his words of guidance are for us. Then we need to follow his lead! We need to obey God and his word.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
Bible Reading Plan on God’s Promises of Guidance
Download the free Bible Reading Plan on God’s Promises of Guidance to get all 31 Bible verses on direction and guidance.
Why does God Guide us?
God guides us because he is all knowing and all loving. He knows what is best for us, and wants to direct us away from sin and to his freedom. He loves us and wants us to follow his call for our lives, for our own benefit and the benefit of others God may want us to minister to.
Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. Psalm 25:8
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. Psalm 138:8
Resources on God’s Promises on Guidance
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Arabah Joy has two great resources that are connected with this month’s reading plan – one on the promises of God, and one on guidance! Praying the Promises of God for your Children is a digital resource with videos, journal and prayer cards to help you pray for your children. Grace Goals is a Biblical goal-setting system that includes a workbook, planning sheets, checklists, Spiritual assessments, and workshops (so a lot more than in the picture!).
One final promise from God on Guidance
Praying for guidance is not always easy. When we are facing trials or tough decisions it can be a stressful time as we seek God’s plan. But he is faithful and will guide us to his best plans for us.
I trust you will be encouraged through these promises of guidance this month.
And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. Isaiah 58:11
Hello Karen,
I noticed you quote Psalm 46:10 from the Passion Translation. Unfortunately, I find its meaning is differs in this translation from other translations I’ve read.
Here’s some info about the Passion Translation in case you want to look further into it.
Hi Stephen. Thanks for your comment! I looked into the verse you mentioned and discovered I had made an error – it isn’t even Psalm 46:10 I quoted it is Isaiah 46:10! I have corrected the reference and also changed it to the Christian Standard Bible version, which I preferred. I very rarely refer to The Passion Translation as it is really a paraphrase, and would only use it after referring to other translations and for the purposes of a devotional or reflection rather than in-depth Bible Study. You can find out more about my views on different Bible Translations here: https://www.karenhopkins.online/which-bible-translation-is-best/
Blessings,
Karen
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Hello Karen,
I noticed you quote Psalm 46:10 from the Passion Translation. Unfortunately, I find its meaning is differs in this translation from other translations I’ve read.
Here’s some info about the Passion Translation in case you want to look further into it.
Just thinking you might not want to be misled.
Stephen
Hi Stephen. Thanks for your comment! I looked into the verse you mentioned and discovered I had made an error – it isn’t even Psalm 46:10 I quoted it is Isaiah 46:10! I have corrected the reference and also changed it to the Christian Standard Bible version, which I preferred. I very rarely refer to The Passion Translation as it is really a paraphrase, and would only use it after referring to other translations and for the purposes of a devotional or reflection rather than in-depth Bible Study. You can find out more about my views on different Bible Translations here: https://www.karenhopkins.online/which-bible-translation-is-best/
Blessings,
Karen