Everywhere you go in life you need guidance. Parents need guidance how to raise children. Teachers need guidance how to be better teachers. Students need guidance in school to work through difficulties and to prepare for the future. When shopping for major items, guidance is always helpful to make the best choice.
In life there are many roads we can take, but how do we know which is best? We need a guide along the way, and no one is a better guide than our all-knowing Lord. The people of Jerusalem were going into exile in Babylon. They were a defeated people. How should they conduct themselves in Babylon? Should they rebel? If they did, would this make things better? If you were an outsider looking in, you might say, “These people need divine guidance.”
As the people began this part of their journey Jeremiah the prophet wrote them a letter with divine guidance from the Lord. What amazing timing! Jeremiah 29:4 This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem: 5 “Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens and eat the food they produce. 6 Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! 7 And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile.[1]
What does this tell us about God? The Lord wants the best for us. Even when we have made mistakes, the Lord is like a GPS who will guide us back to the right path. In Jeremiah’s letter we learn that God has a plan, that they will need God’s discernment to listen to the right voice, and a warning not to wish they were still back in Jerusalem.
What path are you on today? Do you need divine guidance? The Lord is only a prayer away and His word is full of guidance to lead you down the correct path of life.
Psalm 32:8 -The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. [2]
Psalm 119:105 -Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. [3]
James 1:5 – If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.[4]
Prayer: Lord, you know the situation I am in, and I don’t know what to do or where to turn. I am thankful that you are all knowing, and you hear my prayers. Please show me the steps I need take each day that will help me move forward. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.
To hear more about hope for refugees, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/hope-for-refugees
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.