Sometimes a new year does not unfold in the way we hope. The journey may take us on twists and turns unknown or challenging. A fog can settle in over our minds causing us to feel unsure of what to do or where to go. Decisions can be weighty, and often hard to make.
What are we to do during these times?
“Your ears will hear a word behind you, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left.” (Isaiah 30:21, NASB)
God will always be with us in times of adversity, showing us that He is with us in all things. As our hearts stay in tune with Him through prayer and the reading of His Word, we become familiar with His voice.
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27, NASB)
We can come to know His voice and be familiar with the nudge of His hand. Sometimes we can know these verses by heart, having memorized them. But it is critical for us to also come to know them by heart experience, knowing them to be true and powerful.
Much the way the voice of my husband, or the GPS in my car can calm my heart, bring directions, and peace to my anxious mind, the voice of our Lord will calm all our fears, keep us on the right path, and direct our paths.
Life is a journey, and may we remember, it is never a journey we make alone. Whether the days are difficult or mundane, God is with us every moment.
God is present and active in every moment of our lives,
and He has no intention of leaving us now.
May we listen for His voice in our ears.
Deborah Rutherford brought sweet encouragement last week. Even in the unknown, He shows Himself, “And I thank Him, rejoice, and He given me joy, peace, instruction, love, care, and everything.” Be sure to read “God Leads, and I Follow” HERE.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
* This post first appeared HERE.
Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash
Today I may be joining …
Oh, Joanne. I don’t have any weighty decisions on my mind, but the rest of your first paragraph describes me exactly right now. Nothing life-threatening is going on, but that fog is real. Remembering foundational scriptures like the ones you’ve shared is helping me find my way, one step at a time. Thank you for this post, friend.
Even in the fog, or uncertainties, the Lord will lead you. One step at a time and then you will find yourself right where He would have you to be. Praying you hear His voice, guiding and unfolding His plan for you.
We get so busy we forget to listen. Thank you for the reminder, Joanne.
I’m so grateful we’re never left alone, never left without direction. I may not always be wise enough to hear it, but it’s always there…
That’s so it, Lisa. May we have wisdom to hear His voice and heed.
“Right on time” words, my friend. The cares of this life and the noise of the world can distract us too often from what we know to be true in quieter times. Surely the enemy would have it so to cause us to doubt our Lord, his goodness, and continual presence with us. He creates the fog in the unseen spiritual warfare around us as well.
Hops you are well on this wintery day.
May the Lord dispel the fog for each of us as we lean in to hear His voice.
I like how your compare the calming effect of your husband’s voice with the Lord’s. So true.
It’s amazing how the sound of my husband’s voice brings such a calm. The Lord’s voice even more so!
I am so happy we don’t have to walk this journey alone. He is my shepherd who left the 99 to come rescue me, a bummer lamb. I know his voice and I follow him. I’m all to familiar with the fog though. This is such a lovely piece today sweet friend.
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Paula, He loves us so and will not leave us, even in the fog. He is present, He is speaking and He will be heard.
Thank you, Joanne for these words of comfort here, I needed the reminder today, as I face a serious health crisis, and my mother passed away suddenly last evening. I treasure the thought of never walking through anything alone.
Donna, I am so sorry for your loss. I will surely be praying for you – for the Lord to bring His comfort and peace in the days ahead. Also for Him to be with you as you face this health crisis. May He guide you in the decisions which come with health challenges and bring healing.
He is so kind to us, Joanne! He never leaves us, and He is faithful to guide us with His still small voice.
Joanne, thank you so much for sharing my post. Also thank you for your wonderful words of encouragement. I love that God never leaves us alone. Is always with us. I pray that I always listen to His sweet guiding voice.
It’s so good to know he is with us in the fog, and He knows the way through.
Your words resonated with me: “A fog can settle in over our minds causing us to feel unsure of what to do or where to go.” I know the only way to clear fog is to come up higher, or in other words, spend time with Him until I get a clear word.
Thanks for your faithful sharing.
Joanne, my heart experience has taught me that He is faithful–even when the way grows challenging. I’ve been through more difficult times but I needed to be reminded of this truth. Thank you.
I can be impatient to get “a clear word.” You’ve reminded me to be still today, and trust… I have a lot of decisions to make this year as a life-change is on its’ way…