Four ways God guides you.

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
     I will counsel you and watch over you." Psalm 32:8

God is so good to us! He says he going to help us in the way we should go. He does that by doing these four things.

First, he instructs us. Think Proverbs. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." (Proverbs 1:7) God shows us how to act wisely. It all begins with the fear of the LORD. God shows us how to act with wisdom, understanding, prudence and insight. We fear him, and he instructs us.

Second, he teaches us. Envision a coach physically directing a player how to shoot a basketball or swing a bat. If you have ever fished think about casting your line. You direct it with your rod to go in a certain direction. The teachings of Scripture direct us on the path of righteousness. 

Third, he counsels us. The Spirit of God advises us. Like a mentor who has been there and done that, He helps you plan and purpose what you should do. The Bible is full of counsel. We can be advised about our finances, our families, business dealings and just plainly how to act with integrity. 

Lastly, he watches over us. This is more like someone who guides you with their eyes. Has someone ever tried to direct you with a flick of their eyes? Or as a parent do your children now "the look"? Often the Spirit of God gives us little "looks" to direct us. Maybe it's just a thought like, "Should I say that?" Or maybe just a sense of caution. Sometimes it is just a nudge to say a kind word to someone. 

God's love for us is so complete. We are not just saved from sin in the hereafter, we are given a way to live in the here and now and he promises to instruct us, teach us, counsel us and watch over us. 

Thank you, Father, for so great a salvation! Praise be to you in us today!