God, Who Teaches You What Is Best for You

I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, … (Isaiah 48:17b,18a NIV).

God makes known His concern for you by teaching you. He teaches you many things especially through His Word. But in this context, He teaches you specifically the way that is best for you. He directs you in the way you should go.

But is this experience real? Yes, definitely it is. But many Christians do not experience this very real and specific guidance of God. Why? The reason is not difficult to find. God Himself makes it clear: “If only you had paid attention to my commands . . .”

The fact is that many do not take God’s directions in their life seriously.They do not believe that God can counsel them in such practical decisions of everyday life. This one factor denies them the privilege of knowing God’s intimate, specific and very personal guidance in their lives.

Two simple things to be noted are these:

One, there are many ways in life to choose from. But it is not always easy to know “the best” from among them. A variety of voices can counsel you in different ways. These can confuse you; but God can teach you what is best for you. You need not doubt it.

Secondly, a choice alone does not ensure progress. Once a choice is made, constant care and guidance are needed for continued growth. It is here that God’s loving care is demonstrated.

He guides you by directing you in the way you should go. It is a moment by moment guidance, a step by step direction; it protects you from unnecessary risks and allows you to make quick progress.

Even though all these things are true, God still says: “If only you had paid attention to my commands . . .” Are you disappointing God by not listening to Him today? Is the loss yours or His? Think about it.

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