by Priscilla Lack
Several things set the course of our lives. Although God is everpresent, we have a part in how our lives play out. When it comes to finding direction, here are some elements to consider:
- Listening habits. How we listen determines how much we will learn, what decisions we will make, and what opportunities we will step into.
- Heartfelt beliefs. Our heartfelt beliefs influence the paths we take. Heartfelt beliefs are often developed during childhood. Some of these beliefs remain true to our adult experience because they are Godly beliefs. However, some heartfelt beliefs may need the Lord’s upgrade so we can see from a wider perspective.
- Plans. It’s wise to have a vision and a dream, to make plans and pursue them. But life can flip our plans upside down. And sometimes it’s God who changes our plans. So we make our plans while putting them in the Lord’s hands.
- Prayers. Prayer and intercession are part of the life of a believer. As we are praying, we are deepening our relationship with Christ and His direction naturally unfolds.
- Desires. If we’ve forgotten about what matters most in our lives, we can lose our way. Proverbs 13:12 reminds us how desire fulfilled is a tree of life. And then in the Book of John, chapter 5, Jesus asks the paralytic “Do you want to get well?” He was stirring up the disabled man’s “want to” so he could grab hold of a better future. Getting in touch with what we want is healing. God uses it as we walk with Him into our God-designed purpose.
- Simplifying. Clearing out the excess "stuff" we've hung on to will bring clarity to direction. We make room for the new.
- Faith and creativity. We are each given a measure of faith, and creativity is one facet of that measure. Faith helps us receive God’s Word and know He cares about us. Creativity helps our heart come alive as we create something by faith. Creativity shows us how we can make a positive impact in this world, which gives direction.
- Words. Our words and statements often influence the course of our lives.
- Grace. The Lord gives us grace for each season and calling. There are times, though, grace lifts for something we are putting our efforts into. When we recognize the difference between God’s grace to continue in a direction versus when His grace is missing, we often see the next steps we are to take.
Some helpful questions for direction:
- What makes your heart come alive?
- What brings meaning to you?
- What do you envision for your future?
- What doors have closed?
- What doors are opening?
- What are your core values?
- Where and who do you have favor with?
Finding direction can feel difficult, especially in uncertain times. But God still wants us to move forward with Him. With all the shifts today, we will probably be shifting in some areas of our lives. Yet we can continue to stay in tune with the Holy Spirit’s guidance as we move forward in faith.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)
© 2025; Priscilla Lack, all rights reserved. Photo courtesy of Unsplash.com
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