Several years ago I was seeking God’s direction on a significant life decision. I desperately wanted God to tell me what to do. At that time I read a passage from Dallas Willard’s Hearing God that brought me to my knees: 

There is a neurotic, faithless and irresponsible seeking of God’s will, which is always taking its own own spiritual temperature. In this state, people are far more concerned with being righteous than with loving God and others, and doing and enjoying what is good… We may insist on having God tell us what to do because we live in fear or are obsessed with being right as a strategy for being safe. But we may also do it because we do not really have a hearty faith in his gracious goodwill toward us. If so, we need to grow up to Christlikeness, and nothing short of that will solve our problem. Certainlymore words from God will not!

The truth hurts so good. After repenting, I listened again and sensed the still small voice of the Spirit saying, ​“Whatever you decide in this matter, I’ll be with you.”

The new year gives us an opportunity to seek God’s direction afresh, so it’s fitting that our spiritual discipline focus this month is guidance. Richard Foster provides a brief introduction, and Ruth Haley Barton on the podcast reminds us that listening requires intentional time away with God.

Whether God’s direction is specific or God lets us choose and goes with us in our choice, the important thing is that our hearts be listening and ready to obey — as beloved sons and daughters, not as punishment-fearing slaves.

May you abide more fully in Christ this year,