SCRIPTURE READING
Psalm 32:8 (NIV); I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you
and watch over you.
God wants to direct our paths. A core value of Southland Church is “Jesus as Functional
Lord.” Jesus needs to be the active Master of our lives. For Jesus to actively be Lord of our
lives, we need to consult Him on matters all across the spectrum. For some of us, it is the
small stuff that we tend to keep from the Lord; sometimes because we choose to, and other
times because we see God as more of a big-league player with little interest in “petty” things.
Listening to God while purchasing a pair of pants or a coffee can seem silly to us, but it may be
in these very instances where God wants to teach us something about following His lead.
For others, it is the large affairs that are sought and carried out without the Lord’s input. We
make impulsive decisions about career changes, investments and vacations because we are
afraid that the Lord’s timing will be too late, or His desires will be the opposite of ours. We lack
the faith and trust to surrender to the perfect will of God.
Yet when we step back and think of the bird’s eye, history-spanning view that our Maker has,
our self-dependence seems so futile. Listening to God doesn’t mean that we must be down
on our knees in the Tim Horton’s line-up, but it means keeping a tuned ear to the voice of the
Spirit. God holds the seat of utmost honour and glory, and His opinions and desires deserve
the highest respect in our lives.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Think of the small decisions you make throughout your day. Are your ears tuned to hear
Him if He wants to speak? Ask God if He wants to give you direction on the little things in your
days, like spending and eating habits, spare time, etc.
2. What major areas/situations are you looking for guidance with? What have you gotten in
prayer and advice so far? Spend time listening to anything else you think God might be saying.
3. Read Psalm 32:8 again and then take your remaining time for further Bible reading. Ask
God to give you a word for one of these major situations, or for your day in general.
