Pastor David Hicks
July 9, 2023 at 11:00 AM
Divine Guidance is Available for Good Directions
divine_guidance_is_available_for_good_directions_7-9-23.docx
Divine Guidance is Available for good Directions
Good Directions
Right Paths
Listen to God’s Voice, pay attention to His Leading, follow the Right Signs, make good Choices
Prov. 3:5-6 , “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.”
Chapter 3 of Proverbs is an exhortation to obedience, it gives us the benefits of wisdom and the provision of Divine Guidance.
Three words in Prov. 3:6 is especially significant, the words “Ways” – “Acknowledge” – “Direct”
The word “Ways” in the Hebrew is derek which means a road, a course or a mode of action, suggests specific opportunities a person may encounter on a reoccurring basis. (each new day) It is as if the passage suggests; in our “days” we should acknowledge God, and in doing so, he will direct our paths. ”Acknowledge”, in the Hebrew, is “yada”. Elsewhere, “yada” is translated, “know”, meaning to know by observation, investigation, reflection or first-hand experience.
But the highest level of “yada” is in direct, intimate contact. This refers to life-giving intimacy as in marriage applied to a spiritual context. It suggests intimacy with God in prayer that conceives and births blessings and victories. “Direct”, in the Hebrew, is “Yashar” which means to make straight and right. God will straighten out the path of His devoted, trusting servant.
And here it is in conclusion: In all our “days” we might maintain “Yada” (direct intimate contact with God) God promises to direct “Yashar”, our paths toward life-begetting endeavors.
Concerning Prov. 3:5, our own understanding is limited, imperfect, and can likely lead to error. For this reason, our thinking must be enlightened by God’s Word and led by the Holy Spirit.
We cannot rely on our own reason and judgement. We need God’s wisdom for our decisions and goals in life.
Concerning Prov. 3:6, “In all your ways acknowledge him . . .” In all our plans, decisions and activities we must make it our purpose to recognize and accept God’s authority and desire his leadership above anything else. By submitting to God’s direction and approaching each new day as an opportunity to deepen our trust in God. So, rather than being anxious about everything, look to God for help and direction. God promises to make your path straight. He will lead you in the right direction. Our aim in life is to honor him and serve his purposes and be confident of his guidance. Prov. 3:23-24 says, “Then you will go on your way in safety and your foot will not stumble . . . When you lie down, you will not be afraid and your sleep will be sweet.”
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told us to enter the narrow gate, for the gate is wide, and the highway is broad that leads to destruction and many are traveling that way. “How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life.” Mat. 7:4 He said, “And few find it”.
Here is a list of other scriptures that contain the three words we see at the ending of Prov.3:6.
The right paths:
“Those who follow the right path fear the Lord.” Prov. 14:2 (NLT)
“I have taught you in the way of wisdom, I have led you in the right paths.” Prov. 4:11 (NKJV)
“Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined, whoever hates correction will die.” Prov. 15:10 (NLT)
“By forsaking the right path, they have gone astray.” II Pet. 2:15 (the NET Bible)
“A sensible person stays on the right path.” Prov. 15:21 (NLT)
“Those who put others on the right path of life will glow like stars forever.” Dan. 12:3 (the Mes)
“If another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path.” Gal. 6:1 (NLT)
“Direct your children to the right path, & when they are older they will not leave it.” Prov 22:6
“Teach them to follow the right path.” I Kings 8:36 (NLT)
“Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path.” Prov. 23:19 (NIV)
“Keep on the right path, so the weak will not stumble but rather be strengthened.” Heb.12:12
“Teach me how to live, O Lord, lead me along the right path.” Psm. 27:11 (NLT)
“Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow.” Psm. 25:4 (NLT)
“Lead me in the right path, O Lord . . . Make your way plain for me to follow.” Psm. 5:8 (NLT)
“He leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” Psm. 23:3
“He led them by the right path. . . Let them give thanks to the Lord for his faithful love.” Ps.107:7-8
- will watch over you . . Rescuing you . . . from those who abandon the right paths” Prov. 2:11-13
“I praised the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me on the right path.” Gen. 24:48 (the NET Bible)
A great prayer for all of us: “Lord Jesus, when I begin to grow dizzy and faint because of what I see before me, draw my perspective back to you. Thank you, dear Shepherd, that you lead me in right paths. (By: Hanna Hurnard)
At the time of Israel’s restoration and no more rebellion, Isaiah said, “Your ears will hear a word behind you, this is the way, walk in it.” The ERV says, “If you wander from the right path, either to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice behind you saying, you should go this way, here is the way.” CEV words it this way: “This is the road ! Now follow it.” Isa. 30:21
