This is the Way
Date: September 27, 2023
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Voice and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse: Isaiah 30:21 - "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'"
L - Listen for God's Word and pray: Dear Heavenly Father, I come to You with an open heart and a listening spirit. As I meditate on this verse from Isaiah, I ask for the wisdom to discern Your voice in my life. May Your guidance be clear as I seek to follow Your path. In those moments of uncertainty, remind me to pause and listen for the voice that directs me on the right way. Amen.
E - Explore the History and Meaning: Isaiah, the prophet, wrote this passage to the people of Israel. It's part of a message emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's guidance rather than seeking help from foreign powers. The context is a call to return to God and trust in His ways. This verse beautifully conveys God's willingness to guide us. It reminds us that, in our journey of faith, we may encounter crossroads and choices. But God promises that His voice will be there, directing us in the way we should go. It's an assurance of His constant presence and guidance.
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases:
"Turn to the right or to the left": This phrase highlights the idea of choices and decisions we make in life.
"Your ears will hear a voice behind you": It signifies God's guidance, which often comes as a gentle whisper or inner conviction.
"This is the way; walk in it": God's guidance is not vague but specific, showing us the path to follow.
S - Summarize and Share:
Isaiah 30:21 is like a gentle whisper in the midst of life's chaos. It's a reminder that God is not a distant deity, but an intimately involved Father who cares about every step we take. Imagine that you are standing at a crossroads, unsure about the direction to choose. It's a moment of uncertainty, maybe even confusion. You look over your shoulder, and there's God, right there with you. He leans in and says, "This is the way; walk in it."
What strikes me about this verse is its assurance. It's not a vague signpost; it's a clear directive. God knows the way, and He wants you to follow it. It's like having a personal guide through life's labyrinthine paths.
For me, this verse has been a source of comfort during those times when life's decisions seemed overwhelming. It's been my anchor when I've faced uncertainty about my business, relationships, or even my purpose. Knowing that God is willing to guide me and that His guidance is clear and personal has brought immense peace.
But it's not just about finding the right path; it's also about building a deeper relationship with Him. It's about learning to recognize His voice in the midst of the noise of the world.
So, here's the challenge: In the hustle and bustle of life, how often do we pause to listen for that voice behind us? How often do we seek His guidance before making decisions, big or small? Isaiah 30:21 invites us to do just that. It's an invitation to make God an integral part of our daily journey, to seek His wisdom in every step we take.
As you go about your day, remember that you're not navigating life's journey alone. You have a loving Guide who knows the way, who speaks to your heart, and who desires to lead you in paths of righteousness. Listen for His voice, trust His guidance, and walk confidently in the way He directs.
So, let me ask you: How has God's guidance made a difference in your life? Can you share a specific moment when you felt His direction guiding your steps?
4 Bible Cross References:
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." This verse complements Isaiah 30:21 by emphasizing trust in God's guidance.
John 10:27 (NIV): "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." Here, Jesus speaks about His followers recognizing His voice. It connects with the idea of hearing God's voice mentioned in Isaiah 30:21.
Psalm 25:9 (NIV): "He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way." This verse reinforces the concept that God's guidance is available to those who humbly seek it.
Psalm 119:105 (NIV): "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." This verse underscores that God's Word provides illumination for our journey, just as His voice guides us.