What practical steps ensure God's presence guides our decisions and actions? The Heart Cry of Moses Exodus 33:15: “If Your Presence does not go with us,” Moses replied, “do not lead us up from here.” Moses refuses to take a single step unless the LORD Himself accompanies Israel. That posture still safeguards every believer’s choices today. Why His Presence Matters Today • Protection: Exodus 33:14 promises, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” • Distinction: Exodus 33:16 explains that God’s nearness marks His people as different. • Power and peace: Psalm 16:8—“I have set the LORD always before me... I will not be shaken.” Laying the Foundation for Guidance 1. Trust His character – Proverbs 3:5-6. 2. Saturate the mind in Scripture – Psalm 119:105. 3. Recognize the indwelling Spirit – John 14:26; Romans 8:14. Practical Steps to Walk Led by His Presence • Begin every day with yielded surrender: verbally acknowledge, “Lead me or I don’t move.” • Keep an open Bible nearby; decisions get tested against clear commands (Psalm 119:11). • Cultivate continual worship—sing, thank, and adore Him during ordinary tasks (Psalm 22:3). • Listen for the Spirit’s promptings; they will align with Scripture, never contradict it (Galatians 5:16). • Seek godly counsel when choices are weighty (Proverbs 15:22). • Look for the confirming peace of Christ ruling in the heart (Colossians 3:15). • Obey immediately when conviction comes; delayed obedience dulls sensitivity (James 1:22). • Evaluate outcomes: fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) signals God’s path; confusion and fleshly turmoil warn of a detour. Keeping in Step Daily • Schedule unhurried pauses—five-minute check-ins throughout the day to realign attention. • Memorize core “guidance” verses for quick recall (Psalm 25:4-5; Isaiah 30:21). • Journal promptings and answers so history of faithfulness builds fresh confidence. • End each evening with thankful review, noting where His presence was sensed and where corrections are needed. Encouragement from the Wider Story Joshua carried Moses’ lesson into conquest: “The LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). Centuries later Jesus echoed the same promise: “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Every decision made under that assurance advances in strength, clarity, and joy—just as Moses intended when he refused to move without the LORD. |
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