The Benefits of Citizenship: Direction

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

Psalm 32:8

We were visiting King Henry VIII’s retreat, Hampton Court, outside of London. After touring the castle we wandered through the maze in the garden. Jerry deserted me and I became confused. I walked up and down the hedge rows. I took a right turn; then a left. I called, “Jerry, Jerry.” No answer! Would I ever find my way? I wasn’t sure. What a relief when I finally found the exit!

Life is sometimes like a maze. We find ourselves lost in the complexity of everyday living. We wander around searching for an exit to our problems. Often there seems to be no way out ,and we feel trapped  as I was in the hedge.

Take heart, my friend. As a citizen of God’s kingdom you have the benefit of the greatest counselor of all. God has promised us that He will be with us and instruct us. His advice is free and always available.

The Bible tells us many times that God will be with us. Isaiah 41:10 is one of my favorite verses concerning His watch care: Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

I enjoy sitting at our breakfast table and gazing at our new yellow, creeping vine, the Susie Orange with Eye. One day I noticed that it had wilted and looked pitiful. Later that morning I looked out to see it blooming in all its glory with its arms reaching up to the sky. Jerry had watered it. All it needed was the nourishing water to spring back into a lovely plant.

Just as our Susie Orange with Eye wilts without water, we sometimes wilt and need to be refreshed. One of the benefits of being God’s citizen is the nourishment we have available through prayer and His Word.

I have to be reminded that the God of the Universe listens to my prayer. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry Psalm 34:15. Amazing isn’t it? He cares about little old me and little old you.

Sometimes God’s answer is, “Wait.” Sometimes, “No.” Many times He grants our prayers when we pray in His will. Whatever the answer, He hears and cares. He knows what we need more than we do.

Corrie Ten Boom said, “Don’t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it.”

Embrace the direction God gives you through the Bible. Fall in love with His Word. It should be your roadmap for life. It will guide you, comfort you, and fill you with God’s wisdom.

Father, Thank you for the benefit of Your direction. Teach us to rely on prayer and the Bible for support.

Janice Yandell