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How to Seek Guidance From God (What Worked for Me)

How to Seek Guidance From God
As you may or may not know, I started this blog because I lost my job. This is my second chance, my time to do something for myself and the Lord. 

Leading up to losing my job (you can read that story here), I did a lot of soul searching through prayer, Bible reading, and way too much thinking. (I don't know when I'll learn to stop thinking and just pray and listen for God's guidance, but that's a post I'll save for anther day.) It's probably no surprise that most of my answers were received through reading the Bible. This is by no means the only way to seek guidance from God and every circumstance is different. However, His word tells us how to seek His guidance and this is what worked for me when I was faced with a decision of staying at my job or choosing to walk away.

Find a quiet place.

Maybe grab a cup of coffee, a cozy blanket, a journal for notes, a highlighter to showcase what stands out to you... whatever your heart desires to make this an enjoyable experience for you.

What the Bible says...

Matthew 6:6 (KJV): But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

Matthew 6:6 (NIV): But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 

 

Pray.

Take the time for meaningful prayer before you open your Bible. Bring yourself humbly before the Lord, thank him for your many blessings, then let your requests be known.

What the Bible says...

Philippians 4:6 (KJV): Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Philippians 4:6 (NIV): Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

 

Open your Bible for guidance.

Now for one of my favorite steps! Open your Bible to a random page or let it fall open to see what word God has for you. I open it then just begin to read and receive His word. Now, I'm not going to lie, sometimes I have no clue what He's trying to tell me at first! Sometimes His message hits me right away and sometimes it can take weeks or months for it to come together. However, it usually all comes together into a message that God made just for me in just the right time. How fantastic is that?!

What the Bible says...

Joshua 1:8 (KJV): This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Joshua 1:8 (NIV): Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

 

Listen.

Now, the hard part. If you receive a message from the Lord that has a call to action, it's up to you to take the next steps. Sometimes it's easy with minimal changes, but other times it's walking out on a job that you've had for over 12 years and the security that comes along with it. No matter how hard it is to take the steps that God wants you to take, listen. God will guide you and light the way, but you must take the steps to walk in his will, no matter how uncomfortable it makes you. 

What the Bible says...

Psalm 119:105 (KJV): Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Psalm 119:105 (NIV): Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

My prayer for you is that you not only seek the guidance of Jesus Christ, but that you have the faith and strength to listen when you receive His word.

God bless!

Looking for inspiration or just want to follow along with my journey? Subscribe to my email list and see the posts first. Prefer to wait until others are talking about it? Follow my pages on social media and join the conversation. 

Praying about a decision

 


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