Oh my goodness! This week’s posts on direction are intense. Who knew how many scriptures would apply? If you think I will be able to fathom the depths of this topic in five days, you would be misguided. Even so, I hope you will gain some perspective on the subject and hopefully feel some confidence in seeking God’s direction in your life.

So here we go!

Today I want to look at only two scriptures. The first one, being so well known, I have shown two different versions. The first is The Passion Translation (TPT).

Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (TPT)

Also the New Living Translation (NLT).

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

Basically these versions say the same thing, just with different nuances. That’s why I like to read scriptures in more than one translation. Look at the first one in The Passion Translation. The more common translations use the term understanding. Here they say opinions. Understanding can be complicated, but opinions are easy. I don’t always have understanding, but I always have an opinion. Neither, apparently, are trustworthy.

Next, compare the TPT with the one from the New Living Translation. In the TPT, God is leading and guiding our decisions . In the NLT, he is showing us a path. Still basically the same, yet it brings different pictures to my mind. What do you imagine when reading these phrases? Depending on your personality one may feel better than the other. The first seems gentler and the second more straight-forward.

I would almost say the first version feels feminine and the second more masculine. But that’s just my opinion, which as I pointed out may not be trustworthy. LOL.

I digress.

The point is: sometimes reading a different version will help you understand the concept better. The concept here is: as we begin to trust God, we are more open to following his lead. What is implied is: he knows where he wants you to go.

The next scripture shows us the how to.

Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.

Romans 12:2 (TPT)

Notice I used the TPT version and it speaks of opinions again. If my opinions aren’t trustworthy, neither are yours. The only opinions that matter are God’s opinions. And how do we know his opinion? By the Holy Spirit. (I’m saving an awesome scripture reference on this for tomorrow.)

I want you to see, “This will empower you to discern God’s will.” Yes! That’s what we want! Not only that but look at the kind of life he wants for us — “a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.” Double, Yes!

God is for us and his gifts are good and perfect. My heart overflows with his promises and I pray for you to know him intimately so that you can trust him and allow him to show you the path that is just right for you.

Grace & Peace,

Sandy